Whether you’re planting bulbs, trees or perennials, the best time to do so is when they’re dormant – before they begin their active growth. The optimal planting time depends on what you’re planting. Perennial plants are best planted in spring, but it’s better to plant peonies in the fall. Why it’s best to plant peonies in the fall Peonies are available as growing, … [Read more...] about How and when to plant peonies
Tree peonies
How to prune Japanese tree peonies
There seems to be some correlation between pounding rain and peony blooming schedules. My two Japanese tree peonies were smacked down by heavy rain, but I did get to see their beautiful flowers for a fleeting day or so before the devastation. Now it’s time to assess their structure, which is a bit wonky from abusive weather. I suspect they don’t stand up well to the weight of … [Read more...] about How to prune Japanese tree peonies
Tree peonies in your garden
A way to extend the all-too-short but oh-so-glorious peony season is to include tree peonies in your garden. Paeonia suffruticosa hybrids bloom a week or two earlier than P. lactiflora and P. officinalis hybrids. Their exoticism may make you think they’re temperamental, but that’s not the case at all, although they are slightly less hardy—Zone 4 versus the common peonies’ … [Read more...] about Tree peonies in your garden
