I am pining for spring. Thoughts of spring fill my mind in the dreary months of January and February. Not that there aren’t wonderful things to be enjoyed during those months but I do look forward to the warmer weather, a little more sunshine, and the excitement of planting my garden.
I will be planting a lot of new flowers this spring and some of my old favorites. But nothing brings me more joy than my peonies.
The peonies that grow in my garden originally came from my grandmothers garden. They were in my sisters garden for a time and now they are in mine. My grandmother died 15 years ago and I still miss her. Seeing the peonies grow in my garden always, always, always, makes me think of her.
They are easy to plant. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots. You can add some fertilizer or aged organic matter in the bottom of the hole. Place the peony in the hole so that the eyes (small, red-colored buds) are one to two inches below the soil’s surface. Fill the hole with dirt and water well .
Peonies are easy to grow, I don’t do anything to them and the are prolific every year. You could use a fertilizer on them though, maybe you will get bigger blooms. But my blooms are big all by themselves. One tip, if the blooms start to get smaller or less frequent you may have a plant that is over crowded. Peonies like their elbow room. Just dig them up, break apart the tubers and replant in a spacious area. They like to be planted and transplanted in the fall months best.
Peonies make gorgeous cut flowers and my house is filled with them in the spring. They are simply gorgeous to look at and add a sense of peace to your home. Add a little bleeding heart to your bouquet for a lovely look.
I can think of no other keepsake that brings me greater joy than my grandmothers peonies. Who knows where they may go in the future. They are heirlooms, after all.
Check out this amazing website devoted to peonies. Hollingsworth Peonies
Gorgeous! You make it sound easy. Alas, I have very brown thumbs. I might give these a try. Do they need lots of sunshine? Happy Wednesday!
They do like their sun but they are the easiest things to grow in the world. They tolerate some dry heat too. If you plant them be sure to use miracle grow planting soil, it will give them a great jump start. Thank you so much for visiting me, I just love it when you come by Larri. Jana
Thank you for bringing Spring a little earlier! I fear for my garden's returning plants; they are peeking their noses above the soil already and I fear they may get bit off by freeze or snow. Peonies are beautiful and I may try them too. Have a sunny day my friend.
Jeanne, thank you for your comment, I love to hear from you. I know, the rest of the country is freezing to death and today is like a beautiful spring day here in the northwest. I hope that does not mean we will have fall in June again. That will not sit well with me at all.
I love peonies too. A benefit for me is that they are the one flowering plant I can find that the bunnies and the peacocks won't eat just as they are coming up!
I love peonies and planted several in my yard during 2009; not all of them did real well, but several made it and produced lovely flowers! I'm hoping they are all over the shock of being transplanted and will be super healthy this year. I'll be sure to check Hollingsworth Peonies for additional tips – thanks for the link.
love peonies, received some tree peonies a few years back and waiting for them to bloom. Wish I could have more. THanks for stopping by, already follow your blog.!!
I love peonies! 7 yers ago I planted 25 peonies when we moved to Sequim, WA and this started an obsession to acquire more and more. Then in Nov. 2009, I decided to establish a Peony Farm. This move allowed me to enjoy more varieties of peonies and I do love talking with people about the different varieties of peonies and how to care for them, which as you mentioned is easy. I do know that there are others who are not as successful as you and that's where I come in. Your blog is well written.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I have just visited your site as well and am delighted that you are in the area…..somewhat. Next time I get to Sequim I will definitely make it a priority to stop by. I would like to ad your link to my blog as well. Thank you for your kind comments, hope to see you soon. Jana
Peony Lady, it sounds like you've got a great passion for these flowers and I have to agree that they are beautiful plants. As you say, the number of varieties available is vast and allows you to build up a truly interesting collection. You're right that if you know the basics, peonies are easy to care for and don't require any specialist attention. This makes for a very rewarding experience; great looking plants for remarkably little effort!