Plant FAQs: Peonies

Peonies | Monsteraholic

Do deer eat peonies?

In my garden, I’ve noticed that deer usually steer clear of peonies, probably because of their thick foliage and strong scent.

When to cut peonies?

I’ve found the best time to cut peonies is in late spring or early summer when they’re in full bloom but still have a few buds yet to open.

Are peonies poisonous to dogs?

Luckily, my dog has never had any issues with peonies, as they seem to be non-toxic, but I always keep an eye out just in case.

How to propagate peonies?

I propagate my peonies by dividing the roots in the fall after the foliage has died back, which has consistently given me great results.

Are peonies edible?

While I’ve read that peony petals can be used in salads, I haven’t tried eating them myself, preferring to enjoy their beauty instead.

Do peonies need full sunlight?

In my garden, peonies thrive best in full sunlight, showing off their full bloom potential when they get at least six hours of direct sun each day.

How big do peonies get?

My peonies have grown quite large over the years, with some bushes reaching about three feet tall and wide, creating a stunning focal point.

How to cut peonies?

I cut peonies by snipping them at the base of the stem, just above the foliage, to get the longest-lasting blooms for indoor arrangements.

What color are peonies?

Peonies come in such a delightful range of colors; I’ve grown everything from pale pink to deep red, each adding its own charm to the garden.

When to fertilize peonies?

I usually fertilize my peonies in early spring when they start to shoot up from the ground, giving them a good boost for the growing season.

Can you grow peonies in a pot?

I’ve successfully grown peonies in pots, which works well if you have limited space or want to move them around to find the best sunlight.

Do peonies need ants to bloom?

I’ve never needed to worry about ants for my peonies to bloom, as they’ve flowered beautifully without their presence.

How to grow peonies from seed?

Growing peonies from seed is a bit of a patience game for me; I start them in a cold frame and wait through a couple of seasons for them to mature.

Should you deadhead peonies?

I’ve found that deadheading peonies helps keep the plant looking tidy and encourages it to put energy into next year’s blooms.

Are peonies in season?

Peonies in my garden are usually in full bloom from late spring to early summer, which is the peak season for their spectacular flowers.

Can you root peony cuttings in water?

I haven’t had much luck rooting peony cuttings in water; they seem to prefer being started in soil for better success.

What to plant with peonies?

I’ve paired peonies with low-growing plants like daylilies and hostas, which complement their lush blooms without overshadowing them.

Are peonies expensive?

Peonies can be quite an investment, especially the rare varieties, but their striking beauty makes them worth the extra cost in my opinion.

Can peonies grow in shade?

My peonies have struggled in full shade, so I always plant them in spots where they can get at least a few hours of sunlight daily.

Can peonies be grown indoors?

I’ve tried growing peonies indoors, but they seem to prefer outdoor conditions and don’t do as well in the controlled indoor environment.

How to fertilize peonies?

I use a balanced fertilizer on my peonies in early spring and again in midsummer to keep them strong and blooming beautifully.

How to treat powdery mildew on peonies?

When powdery mildew strikes, I treat my peonies with a fungicidal spray and improve air circulation around the plants to help prevent it from coming back.

Do peonies grow in Texas?

Peonies can grow in Texas, but they need a bit of extra care and attention to ensure they get enough chilling hours to bloom properly.

When to plant peonies in Michigan?

In Michigan, I plant peonies in early fall, which gives them a good head start before the winter sets in.

When to plant peonies in Ohio?

For Ohio, I’ve had success planting peonies in late summer to early fall, giving them time to establish before the colder months arrive.

Why are my peony leaves turning brown?

Brown leaves on my peonies have usually been a sign of either drought stress or fungal issues, and adjusting watering and improving air flow has helped.

Why didn’t my peonies bloom?

When my peonies didn’t bloom, it was often due to planting them too deep or not giving them enough chill time, so I made sure to adjust my planting practices.

Peony vs Carnation

I find that peonies have a richer, more luscious scent compared to carnations, which often seem to have a lighter, somewhat peppery fragrance that doesn’t linger as long.

Peony vs Ranunculus

In my garden, peonies boast a grand, full bloom that stands out beautifully, while ranunculus flowers, though charming and delicate, don’t quite have the same commanding presence.

Peony vs Rose

Peonies tend to have a softer, more rounded shape and a subtle scent, whereas roses, with their classic form and often intense fragrance, bring a different kind of elegance and nostalgia.

Peony vs Hydrangea

Peonies offer a burst of vibrant color and a strong, singular bloom, whereas hydrangeas provide a lush, layered look and change color throughout the season, which I find adds more visual interest.

Peony vs Camellia

I appreciate peonies for their bolder, more substantial flowers, but camellias have a refined, evergreen quality and a timeless elegance that makes them a lovely addition to my garden throughout the winter.

Peony vs Chrysanthemum

Peonies have a soft, romantic appeal, whereas chrysanthemums, with their varied forms and colors, provide a more diverse and sometimes more dramatic display, especially in the fall.

Peony vs Rhododendron

Peonies give a burst of color and a classic look in the spring, while rhododendrons, with their evergreen leaves and large clusters of blooms, offer a more consistent presence and structure in the garden.

Peony vs Cabbage Rose

Cabbage roses have a more intricate, ruffled appearance and often a richer fragrance, whereas peonies provide a fuller, more robust bloom that I find visually striking in any arrangement.

Peony vs Dahlia

I enjoy the peony’s elegant and lush blooms, but dahlias, with their vibrant colors and diverse shapes, offer a dynamic and playful contrast that keeps my garden visually interesting.

Peony vs Poppy

Peonies have a classic, dense bloom with a rich texture, while poppies, with their delicate petals and striking simplicity, create a more ephemeral, yet stunning display in my garden.

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