When and how to plant peonies and how to care after

When to plant peonies

This can be done at the very beginning or at the end of the summer season. Depending on the region, spring planting is carried out from early April to mid-May. The snow should melt, and the soil should warm up to 2-5 degrees. At the same time, it is important to be in time before the arrival of stable spring heat, otherwise the peony, not having taken root enough, will throw all its strength into building up shoots. The bush runs the risk of taking root poorly and not enduring the next winter. Therefore, plant it in cold ground.

The second favorable period for planting peonies comes in late August - early September, when the difference between day and night air temperatures becomes significant. If at night the thermometer does not rise above 5-10 degrees Celsius, and during the day - above 14-20, it's time to get to work. And you need to complete the planting of peonies 3-4 weeks before the arrival of autumn frosts, so that the young plant has time to take root in the flower bed before the onset of winter.

How to choose peony seedlings

Go to nurseries or garden centers for flower rhizomes - this way you will be sure of the quality of planting material.

Decide on the view

Peonies are herbaceous and tree-like. The first are considered the "classic" option and are most common. They form lush compact bushes up to 1 m high. Dense foliage and stems die off completely in autumn, and with the advent spring the flower shoots new shoots from the ground.

The tree peony has thicker stems that become covered with bark over time. For the winter, the bushes shed their leaves, and in the spring, new greenery blooms on the remaining stems. These species can grow up to 2 meters in height.

Flowers of herbaceous and tree-like peonies can be simple, semi-double, double and anemone-shaped, of a variety of colors and shades.

There are also ITO hybrids obtained by crossing grassy and tree peonies. Their aerial part completely dies off for the winter, but outwardly, the ITO hybrid looks like a tree. True, such a bush grows only 50–90 cm. They produce unusual flowers with a contrasting color in the center, which often exude a delicate aroma.

Pay attention to the quality of the rhizome

Choose peonies that are sold in transparent bags so that you can carefully examine the planting material before buying. First of all, touch the rhizome: to the touch it should be dense, hard and not crack from dryness. Give preference to peonies that have at least two thin, long suction roots.

A good seedling has at least 2-3 fresh buds - these are future peony stems.

After you have chosen a suitable rhizome, inspect it again. There should be no traces of rot and mold on the seedling.

How to prepare a peony for planting

In 1 liter of water at room temperature, dilute 5 ml of phytosporin. Dip the rhizome in the solution, leave for a day, and then proceed to planting.

This procedure will help prevent fungal diseases of the peony, as well as additionally nourish it with moisture to accelerate growth.

How to prepare a place for planting a peony

This flower looks good both alone and in group landing.

Decide on a landing site

Find a well-lit spot in your garden that is sheltered from the wind. It is optimal if it is sunny before lunch, and after that it is in light shade. Do not plant peonies in dark areas, otherwise the plants will begin to stretch and produce small flowers.

Flowerbed for peonies should not be located in a lowland or in a place where water stagnates. These flowers love neutral soils with an acidity level in the range of 6–7.5 Ph.

Make a landing hole

If you are planting multiple herbaceous or hybrid peonies, place them at least 1m apart. For treelike, the distance should be greater - about 1.5–2 m.

In the chosen place, dig a hole 20–25 cm deep and 30–35 cm wide.

Fill the planting hole halfway with compost.

Add 5 tablespoons of wood ash and 3 tablespoons of superphosphate.

Pour fertile soil (you can take the one left after digging the hole, or ready-made soil of neutral acidity) to the edges of the hole and mix all the components thoroughly.

Pour 5 liters of water into the hole and wait until it is completely absorbed.

How to plant a peony

Using a small shovel, spread the wet soil into the hole so that a mound is formed in the center.

Place the rhizome in the center of the mound with the buds up. Gently spread thin long roots in the ground with your hands, pointing them down or to the sides. Make sure that the growing point - the junction of the rhizome with the buds - is 5-7 cm below ground level in the flower bed.

Fill the hole and rhizome with soil, being careful not to damage the buds. Do not additionally compact the soil with your palms so as not to deepen the peony.

Water the peony with 1 liter of water. For the prevention of diseases, you can add 5 ml of phytosporin to it.

Mulch the peony with soil or peat. A layer of 5 cm is enough.

How to care for a peony after planting

In the first two years after planting, the peony will not need additional top dressing. All the necessary food he will take from the ground.

Water the plant

In the first three days after planting, the peony should be moistened daily. One bush will require 20 liters of water. Use a watering can with a diffuser attachment so as not to blur the soil.

From spring to autumn, watering is carried out at intervals of 10-14 days. One plant will need 20-30 liters of water. Try to pour liquid, retreating from the peony 15-20 cm, and not get on the leaves and stems, so as not to provoke the appearance of fungal diseases.

autumn Water your peonies according to the weather. If there is a lot of precipitation, then you do not need to additionally feed the plant. If the soil is dry, water the peonies at the rate of 20 liters of water per bush. With the advent of the first frost, it is no longer necessary to moisten the flower bed.

Loosen the soil in a flower bed with peonies

This procedure will help the roots of the plant receive more oxygen. Once every two weeks, 2-3 hours after watering, loosen the soil around the bush with a hoe with small teeth, without going deeper than 5 cm. Do this carefully so as not to damage the peony stems.