Peonies are beautiful - they can make your garden or your house look absolutely amazing.
They aren't the hardest flowers to grow, but you still should know some tricks to make your peonies thrive.
Let's find out more on how to keep them healthy and beautiful.
Planting
Put peonies in a sunny spot with good soil. Make sure the soil drains well, so the roots don't get too wet.
Watering
Give them a good drink when you plant them. After that, water them regularly but don't let the soil get too soggy. They like moist, not waterlogged, soil.
Support the Stems
Peonies have big, heavy flowers, so they might need some support. Use stakes or a hoop to keep them from drooping.
Mulching
Put a layer of mulch around the base of the plants. This helps keep the soil cool and moist. It also prevents weeds from popping up.
Deadheading
After peonies bloom, remove the faded flowers.
This is called deadheading. It helps the plant put more energy into making strong roots for the next season.
Cutting Back in Fall
In the fall, after the first frost, cut back the stems to about an inch above the ground. This helps peonies stay healthy.
Fertilizing
Give them a bit of fertilizer in the spring, but don't overdo it. Too much fertilizer can lead to lots of leaves but fewer flowers.
Pest Watch
Keep an eye out for ants. They love the sweet nectar on peony buds, but they don't harm the plant. If you see ants, you can gently brush them off.
