Peony Secrets: Unveiling Lesser-Known Gardening Tips

Over the years, we've provided you with guides on planting and harvesting peonies, arming you with the essentials to nurture these glorious blooms. Today, we're delving deeper, revealing the timeless charm and lesser-known secrets of peonies.  Join us as we explore more insights that add another layer of appreciation to these traditional garden favorites.

1. Ants are Friends: A common myth is that peonies need ants to bloom. While not required, ants are attracted to the nectar that peony buds secrete and often help keep harmful pests away from the flowers. Thus, seeing ants on peonies should not be a cause for concern; they are natural protectors of the plants.

2. Longevity: Peonies are known for their impressive lifespan. With proper care, a peony plant can live and continue to bloom for 100 years or more. 

3. Planting Depth Matters: For successful blooming, the depth at which a bareroot peonies are planted is crucial. If planted too deep, they may produce lush foliage but few or no flowers. Generally, they should be planted so that the top is no more than 2 inches below the soil surface in colder climates and slightly shallower in warmer climates.

4. Fall Feeding: While many perennials benefit from spring feeding, peonies do better with a boost in the fall. A low-nitrogen fertilizer or bone meal worked into the soil around the roots in the autumn can help nourish the plants for the next season.

5. Support Structures: If you are planning for your plants to be mostly for display and not cutting, remember that peony blossoms are heavy; plants often require support to keep from drooping or being damaged by wind and rain. Installing supports early in the season, before the plants reach their full height, can prevent damage and keep your garden looking tidy.

6. Disease Prevention: Peonies can be susceptible to fungal diseases like botrytis or powdery mildew. Good air circulation is critical to preventing these issues. Ensuring plants are not too densely packed can help maintain healthy air flow around the foliage.

7. Cold Stratification for Seeds: If you're growing peonies from seeds, it’s important to know they require cold stratification to germinate. This process involves exposing the seeds to a period of cold, which you can simulate by planting seeds outdoors in the fall or storing them in the refrigerator before planting.