Peonies – Spring’s Most Generous Bloom

If there’s one flower that reliably steals the show in a spring garden, it’s the peony. With their abundant, ruffled blooms and sweet scent, peonies are a long-time favorite among gardeners—and for good reason. These hardy perennials are easy to grow, incredibly long-lived, and reward you with a spectacular floral display each year.

          Peonies (Paeonia spp.) are tough, long-lived perennials that can thrive in the same spot for decades with minimal fuss. Once established, they reward you with an abundance of blooms each spring or early summer — and they often get better with age.

       Not only do Peonies combine visual drama with low-maintenance needs. Once established, they can thrive with minimal attention and will return year after year—sometimes for generations! In fact, it’s not uncommon for peony plants to bloom for 50 to 100 years in the same spot.

          They’re also deer-resistant, relatively pest-free, and tolerant of cold winters. For gardeners who value beauty and reliability, peonies are a top-tier pick.

          There are three main types to choose from, each one is magnificent in its own right. Let’s look at those three types.

Herbaceous Peonies – These die back to the ground each winter and come back in spring. Great for borders and mixed beds.

Tree Peonies – With woody stems that remain year-round, tree peonies bloom earlier and boast larger, often more exotic-looking flowers.

Itoh (Intersectional) Peonies – A hybrid of the two above, they offer strong stems, large blooms, and longer bloom periods. Perfect for those who want the best of both worlds.

          Peony blooms are heavy—especially after rain—and can flop without support. Use grow-through hoops or peony rings early in the season to give stems a helping hand. For Itoh and tree peonies, staking is usually unnecessary due to their stronger growth habit.

          If you’re planting peonies for the first time, fall is the ideal time to get them in the ground — but spring planting works too, if you're careful.

Here’s what peonies need to thrive:

·         Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily) is ideal, though they’ll tolerate partial shade.

·         Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential. Amend with compost before planting.

·         Depth matters: For bare-root peonies, the "eyes" (buds on the root crown) should be no deeper than 1–2 inches below the surface. Planting too deep is the #1 reason peonies fail to bloom.

·         Spacing: Give each plant about 3 feet of space to ensure good air circulation and plenty of room to grow.

          When choosing a variety, consider bloom time. Peonies bloom for a relatively short window, but by planting early-, mid-, and late-season varieties, you can stretch the show over several weeks.

          If you are planting bare-root peonies, make sure the buds (eyes) sit no deeper than 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep is a common reason for poor blooming.

Peonies are easygoing, but a little care goes a long way:

·         Spring: As shoots emerge, add a balanced fertilizer or compost topdressing. Stake taller varieties early to prevent flopping when blooms arrive.

·         Summer: Deadhead spent flowers to direct energy back into the roots. Keep an eye out for botrytis (a fungal disease) during damp periods — good airflow helps prevent this.

·         Fall: Allow foliage to die back naturally, then cut it to the ground once it's yellowed. This helps prevent disease and keeps your beds tidy.

       Though peonies, it’s best don’t require frequent division done in the fall if needed — typically after 8–10 years in the same spot. Divide the root clumps with a sharp knife, ensuring each division has at least 3–5 eyes and healthy root tissue.

       For gardeners who love bringing the outdoors in, peonies are among the best flowers for cutting. Harvest them when buds feel soft like a marshmallow — not fully open — for maximum vase life. Add them to arrangements or let them shine on their own.

          Peonies may take a year or two to bloom after planting, but once they get going, they’re a perennial garden hero. These timeless beauties require little attention and offer a big return — year after year.

          If you haven’t made space for peonies yet, this is the season to plan ahead. Your future garden will thank you.