Hillier Garden Centres shares guide to growing Peonies

Peonies (Paeonia) are hardy herbaceous and shrubby perennials with pretty flowers and attractive foliage, there are three types of Peony, herbaceous, tree, and itoh. Their captivating charm elevates any landscape, and they are the perfect addition to garden borders. Their leaves are composed of several sizes and shapes and feature large, showy flowers that are globe-shaped and excellent for cuttings. These flowers are known for their longevity and if properly cared for can survive for decades, making them an ideal investment.

Below, Emma Fell, Head of Learning and Development at Hillier Garden Centres, discusses these beautiful plants and provides their top tips for growing success.

Herbaceous Peony Varieties

Peonies come in various types, each with its unique characteristics. Some of our favourite varieties include:

Paeonia lactiflora "Bowl of Beauty"

Known for its elegant bowl-shaped flowers that feature a striking blend of pink and white petals.

Paeonia Karl Rosenfield

Known for its sweet fragrant aroma and beautiful large bright red or magenta flowers that bloom.

Paeonia Sarah Bernhardt

A beautiful double bloom Peony, with ruffled flamingo pink flowers that open from large and rounded buds.

Caring for Peonies 

When it comes to planting peonies, timing is everything. These stunning flowers thrive when they're planted during mid to late spring, especially when the weather is mild. They are relatively easy to grow but do have specific requirements that need to be met for successful cultivation.

Peonies are very particular about their surroundings. They thrive when planted in an area shaded from the early morning sun and protected from night frost. Choosing the right location is crucial for their growth and longevity. They prefer heavier soil that needs to be well-draining to prevent water logging.

There is little pruning involved in caring for a herbaceous Peony, as they die back each winter. If you plant grows well, with lots of foliage but no flowers, it is likely that you have planted the bulbs to deep, as Peonies like to be planted shallow.

Planting Process for Peony rhizomes

1. Prepare the rhizomes: Start by soaking the peony rhizomes in lukewarm water for about thirty minutes. This will help hydrate them and promote healthy growth.

1. Clear the Area: Before planting, clear the designated area of any weeds, rocks, or debris.

1. Digging the Hole: When it's time to plant, make a hole that is reasonably shallow. Peonies do not like to be planted too deep

1. Mulch and Compost: After planting, apply a liberal amount of mulch or compost around the rhizomes. This not only helps retain moisture but also enriches the soil, providing essential nutrients.

1. Watering: Typically, you’ll need to water the plant deeply, once a week. Regularly check the soil moisture level to make sure the soil is not too wet or too dry. Overwatering can be as detrimental to peonies as underwatering so it's crucial to strike a balance and adjust your watering routine based on the local climate and soil conditions.

1. Supporting Your Peonies: Some peony varieties may need additional support to prevent the weight of their large blooms from causing them to topple over. Garden twines can be used to gently support the stems.

While peonies can be grown in pots, they generally thrive better in the ground due to their extensive root systems and the potential for them to grow tall with heavy blooms. When planted in the ground, peonies can live for decades, providing beauty year after year. However, if you have no choice but to plant them in pots, use large deep containers, a well-draining potting mix and provide extra insulation or move them into a greenhouse during winter.”

To view more of Hillier Garden Centre’s Spring range and order spring bulbs online, visit www.hillier.co.uk. 

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Editors notes

“To inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future”

Hillier is the most successful exhibitor in the history of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, having been awarded 74 consecutive gold medals.

The company was founded in 1864 by Edwin Hillier and remains a family-run nursery with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business as it continues to grow. The company employs over 750 staff across its nursery, amenity trees and 22 garden centre divisions, and grows over one million plants a year. It is the largest tree grower in the UK.

Over the years, Hillier has been responsible for numerous plant introductions, many of which have become essentials in British gardens and it continues with the tradition of innovation and the introduction of new garden plants in the present day.