“Garden as though you will live forever.”
—William Kent
What words could be more true—and that’s exactly how we like to garden here at the farm!
It’s November and the garden is getting established with newly planted bulbs, perennials and flowering shrubs. Just as every other gardener or flower farmer is doing, I’m hurrying to get things planted before the ground freezes.
The peony is one of those perennials that have been proven to add charm, fragrance and memories to the lives of so many people. Peonies are best planted in the autumn, anytime from late September through early December. When you order through K. van Bourgondien, they’ll ship in either fall or spring depending on the variety. Perhaps you’ve received yours already. You can plant peonies in the spring, but they won’t perform as well; in fact, they generally lag a year behind those planted in the fall. Trust me—I know because I’ve been guilty of trying to plant peonies in the spring.
Peonies are hardy to USDA Garden Zone 3, and they will grow well as far south as Zones 7 and 8. Always be sure to confirm your garden zone when planting peonies or other flowers. It will help you minimize the trials and errors that can come with gardening.
When planting peonies, chose a location with sun exposure. Peonies prefer at least eight hours of full sun daily. They will grow in partial shade, but they will not flower as readily. So why grow in partial shade when the reason we grow peonies in the first place is for their beautiful blooms?
The photo below shows a healthy new peony plant ready to go into the ground.
The next photo shows how a freshly planted peony should look in your garden bed.
Peonies rarely bloom the first year, so don’t be alarmed when spring comes and you see no peony blooms. It often takes three good years before you see an abundance of flowers. When established plants do begin blooming, you can look forward to a lifetime of beautiful flowers and fresh bouquets.
If you must move a mature peony or divide an old one, do it in the fall when the plant has gone dormant.
In summary, when growing peonies, choose your location wisely, plant during the right season and don’t bury them too deep.
Happy Autumn, Garden Friends!
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden