Top 100 Gift Ideas For Plant Lovers 2024
Do deer eat peonies?
Absolutely! Thankfully, the deer in my area seem to leave my peonies alone. I planted them a few years ago specifically because they’re known for being deer-resistant. It’s been a relief – I’ve had other flowers completely munched by deer before, and it’s so frustrating! Those peony blooms are just too gorgeous to lose to a hungry deer.
When to cut peonies?
I usually wait until the blooms on my peonies start to fade and get a bit floppy. I like to enjoy them for as long as I can, but once they start to look a little sad, it’s time for the garden shears! Cutting the faded blooms also helps keep my garden looking tidy and encourages a longer blooming season in some cases. If I want to enjoy the peonies inside, I cut them when the buds feel soft and squishy, kind of like a marshmallow. They open up beautifully in a vase!
Are peonies poisonous to dogs?
Unfortunately, peonies can be a problem for our furry friends. I learned this lesson the hard way a couple of summers ago. My pup, usually such a good boy, decided to munch on my peonies while I wasn’t looking. He ended up having a pretty upset stomach for a few days. Thankfully, he was back to his old self quickly, but now I always make sure to keep any flowers like peonies out of his reach.
How to propagate peonies?
I’ve only ever propagated peonies by division, and it’s been really successful for me! The first time I did it, I waited until the fall when the foliage had started to die back. Dividing them feels a bit risky – you’re basically chopping your beautiful peony into pieces! – but it’s incredibly rewarding when those divisions sprout new growth the next spring. I always try to ensure each division has some healthy roots and at least a few eyes for best results.
Are peonies edible?
I’ve heard that peony petals are edible, but I’ve never personally tried them. I love baking, so I’ve actually always been a little bit tempted to try making something fancy like peony-flavored shortbread cookies. Maybe this summer I’ll finally give it a try! Before I do, I’d definitely want to check with a reliable source to make sure I’m using them correctly and safely.
Do peonies need full sunlight?
Peonies definitely need a good amount of sunlight to truly thrive. I have my main peonies planted right out in the open where they get full sun most of the day, and they’re always covered in blooms in the spring. I have a couple of smaller peonies tucked in a partially shaded corner of the garden bed, and you can tell the difference. They still bloom, but they never have as many flowers and always seem just a little bit less vigorous.
How big do peonies get?
Peonies can get surprisingly big! I have some that are easily three feet tall and just as wide. They take up a good chunk of my garden and their size makes a beautiful statement. I’ve also seen some of those tree peonies, and they look even more like small shrubs than flowers. It’s hard to believe they’re related to my regular peonies! I always make sure to give mine plenty of space so they can really fill out.
How to cut peonies?
I always want to make sure my peonies last as long as possible, whether they’re on the plant or in a vase. That’s why I make sure to use a sharp, clean pair of garden shears or clippers when I cut them. Taking them at an angle helps them take up more water. If I’m cutting them to bring inside, I like to collect them when the buds are still soft and just starting to show color. They’ll open beautifully over the next few days for a longer-lasting bouquet.
What color are peonies?
Peonies practically come in a whole rainbow of colors! I love the classic pinks and whites in my garden; they always make me think of a vintage summer cottage. There are also gorgeous deep red and coral peonies, ones that look almost sunset orange, and some that are a lovely pale yellow. I’ve even seen ones with petals in multiple colors! Every year when peony season comes around, I love exploring all the beautiful varieties.
When to fertilize peonies?
I find fertilizing peonies twice a year works really well. I do the first application in early spring right when the new growth is pushing through the soil. It helps them develop all those gorgeous blooms. Then, once the flowers have faded, I give them another dose of fertilizer to help them recover and build up energy for the following spring. I always go with a balanced fertilizer, it seems to do the trick!
Can you grow peonies in a pot?
You definitely can grow peonies in pots! While they do best in the ground where their roots have lots of space, with the right care they can thrive in containers. I have a gorgeous deep-red peony in a big pot on my back deck. It really makes a statement! The key is to choose a large pot so the roots have room to spread out, and make sure it has good drainage holes.
Do peonies need ants to bloom?
I used to see ants crawling all over my peony buds and always assumed that meant they needed the ants to open. Turns out, that’s just an old gardening myth! Peonies will bloom just fine whether ants are around or not. The ants are just attracted to the sweet nectar inside the buds. While they don’t actually help the flowers open, ants can keep some unwanted pests off your peonies, so they’re not all bad.
How to grow peonies from seed?
While I’ve never personally grown peonies from seed, I’ve heard it can be a bit of a challenge but definitely rewarding. Apparently, it takes a long time from seed to bloom – sometimes many years! You need to give the seeds periods of warm and cold stratification to mimic natural conditions. A friend of mine had some success by planting the seeds in a pot, letting them get a dose of winter chill, and then sprouting them inside in the spring. It sounds like a fun experiment for a patient gardener!
Should you deadhead peonies?
Absolutely! I always make a point to deadhead my peonies as the flowers fade. It helps keep my garden looking tidy and prevents the plants from wasting energy on producing seeds instead of focusing on growth. It also seems to encourage a longer bloom season for some varieties! As much effort as I put into my garden, anything that makes things a little easier on me is always a win.
Are peonies in season?
Unfortunately, peony season is pretty short. That’s what makes them so special! They generally bloom in late spring into early summer depending on your area and the specific variety. Here where I live, it sadly feels like peony season is over in the blink of an eye. I try to enjoy them while they last!
Can you root peony cuttings in water?
I’ve heard mixed things about whether rooting peony cuttings in water is successful. Some people seem to have luck with it, but traditional rooting methods like division or taking root cuttings seem to be more reliable. Personally, I’ve always propagated my peonies by division, so I don’t have any first-hand experience with water rooting them. If you decide to give it a try, I’d love to hear how it goes!
What to plant with peonies?
Peonies make such beautiful companions with so many other plants! I love pairing mine with lavender for that classic cottage garden feel, and the scent combination is amazing. Alliums look great with peonies since they have long stems and those fun globe-shaped blooms, which provide a nice contrast to the soft peony flowers. Since peonies die back after they bloom, I also like to plant them near things like daylilies that fill in those gaps later in the season.
Are peonies expensive?
Peonies can definitely be on the pricier side, especially when you’re looking at buying plants or cut flowers. That luxurious feel and their relatively short blooming season are part of what makes them so special. I find that growing my own peonies gives me the most blooms for the best value. Even though buying a peony plant might seem expensive initially, a healthy one will last for years and provide so much beauty!
Can peonies grow in shade? Can peonies be grown indoors?
Peonies thrive in full sun and generally won’t be happy with too much shade. They can tolerate some partial shade, but they’ll be less vigorous and might not produce as many flowers. It’s best to choose a bright, sunny spot for your peonies.
While it’s possible to grow peonies indoors in a pot, it’s not ideal. Peonies need a period of cold winter dormancy to bloom well. Without that chill period, they’ll struggle. Also, most peonies get pretty large, so a pot indoors might quickly become too small for them. They are ultimately happier as outdoor landscape plants.
How to fertilize peonies?
I prefer to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer on my peonies to give them a steady supply of nutrients. I do one application in the early spring, as soon as I see new growth, and a second application after the flowers fade. I usually sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plants, being careful to keep it away from the stems, and then water it in really well. That seems to keep my peonies happy and producing lots of gorgeous blooms!
How to treat powdery mildew on peonies?
Ugh, dealing with powdery mildew can be so frustrating! I’ve had success with a couple of different methods on my peonies. At the first sign, I try treating them with a baking soda solution. I mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water and a bit of dish soap to help it stick, then spray my peonies thoroughly. If that doesn’t work, I’ll usually switch to an organic fungicide specifically designed for powdery mildew. Prevention is also important, so I make sure my peonies have plenty of space for air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Do peonies grow in Texas?
Yes, you can grow peonies in Texas, but it takes a little extra attention! Since most peonies need a period of winter chill to bloom, choosing varieties specifically suited for warmer climates is key. I’ve heard that some early-blooming varieties do well in Texas, as well as certain types of tree peonies. Texas also has unpredictable weather, so providing some afternoon shade can help protect those beautiful blooms. With a little planning and the right varieties, you can definitely enjoy peonies in your Texas garden!
When to plant peonies in Michigan?
Fall is the absolute best time to plant peonies in Michigan! Aim to plant them about six weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the roots enough time to get established before winter hits. Planting in the fall allows the peonies to use the winter dormancy to their advantage, giving them a good head start come spring. You can also plant them in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable, but fall planting generally leads to stronger plants and better blooms.
When to plant peonies in Ohio?
Fall is the ideal time to plant peonies in Ohio. Try getting them in the ground around six weeks before your first hard frost. This allows them plenty of time to establish their roots before going dormant for the winter. If you can’t plant them in the fall, early spring is also a decent option. Just make sure to plant them as soon as the ground thaws and is workable.
Why are my peony leaves turning brown?
There are a couple of reasons why your peony leaves might be turning brown, and it can be helpful to look a little closer at the damage to narrow it down. Here are some possibilities:
- Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases like peony wilt or botrytis blight can cause brown spots or patches to form on the leaves and stems. If you see this along with wilting or failing flower buds, it might be a fungus.
- Leaf scorch: If the browning is mostly happening at the edges or tips of the leaves, especially during hot weather, it could be leaf scorch. This is caused by the plant not being able to take up water fast enough to keep up with the heat.
- Peony leaf blotch: This fungal disease causes large, brown spots or splotches on the upper surfaces of the leaves.
- Insufficient watering: Peonies generally need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. If they’re underwatered, the leaves might start to turn brown and wilt.
Once you have a better idea of what might be causing the problem, you can take steps to treat it. For example, if it’s a fungal disease, you might need to use a fungicide. If it’s underwatering, then giving your peonies a good soak more regularly should help.
Why didn’t my peonies bloom?
There are a few reasons why peonies might refuse to bloom despite seemingly having everything they need. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Not enough sunlight: Peonies are happiest when they get at least six hours of full sun a day. Too much shade will prevent those beautiful blooms from forming.
- Planted too deeply: If the crown of your peony (where the buds form) is more than two inches below the soil surface, they might struggle to bloom.
- Too young: It can take a couple of years for peonies to really settle in and produce lots of blooms. If yours are newly planted, be patient!
- Over-fertilizing: High-nitrogen fertilizers promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Make sure you’re feeding peonies with a balanced fertilizer
- Competition: If your peonies are crowded by other plants or have overgrown roots, they might not have the energy to bloom.
It may take a bit of investigation to figure out the exact reason for your non-blooming peonies, but it’ll be worth it when you see those gorgeous flowers the next season!
