Dear Gardeners:

While Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies by themselves may only bloom for a short period in spring, by combining the two different types of peonies in your landscape you can enjoy luxurious Peony flowers all spring long. Tree Peonies bloom very early in spring, long before most other garden perennials hit their stride. Blooming on last year's wood helps them get a jump on claiming the garden spotlight.

About the time that Tree Peonies' flower buds are starting to swell, the Herbaceous Peonies are just emerging from the ground. Waiting for an Herbaceous Peony to bloom is a lot like watching for a pot of water to boil... it seems to take forever! But, sure enough, it eventually bursts into full bloom.

Although it looks complicated, making a Peony happy is really quite simple:

• While it doesn't like harsh noon sun, it does need at least 6 hours of sun every day.
• Be sure that it establishes a good root system by watering it deeply during its first growing season.
• Mulch each plant with no more than 3" of mulch.
• Fertilize the plant every spring and fall with a bloom booster.
• Never prune a Tree Peony unless you need to remove unhealthy wood.
• Herbaceous Peonies will die back to the ground naturally every fall.

Mingling both Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies together in the flower border will ensure that your garden will inspire Peony envy all spring long!

Happy Gardening,
The Bulb Lady®