Peonies, also known as farmer's roses, are a great favourite both in bouquets and in the garden – and we understand why. They are one of the flowers that radiate summery romance in a way that makes it hard not to fall for them. Dreaming of peonies in your garden? Then read on.
How to get started
Once you have decided to plant peonies, it is important to get the position, timing, soil conditions and technique right.
The ideal position is somewhere with as much sun as possible – preferably sheltered from the wind. That way you get the most beautiful and best flowering, without having to worry that the next windy spell will snap the peonies' stems.
The soil should preferably be humus-rich with plenty of nutrients. This is because peonies must not dry out, but must not stand in wet soil either. It can be a good idea to dig some compost into the soil to create the right conditions.
Peonies are not very fussy when it comes to planting time. As long as the ground is not frozen, you can plant your peonies out as soon as you have got them. Dig a hole in the ground and make sure the soil is nice and loose. Then place the plant approx. 3 cm below the soil surface before filling the planting hole with soil. You only need to water if the soil is dry and there is no rain in sight.
Care in all seasons
When caring for peonies, the trick is to find the right balance for when the soil is moist. Peonies must not be left completely dry, but not wet either, and as long as that part is under control, they actually do not make great demands in return for a beautiful flowering.
In spring, you can add a little fertiliser if necessary. Otherwise, the most important thing is to give your flowers some kind of support, so the flower heads do not become too heavy and topple over.
One of the great advantages of peonies is that they are incredibly hardy in winter. This means you do not necessarily need to cover them to make sure they bloom again the following year. If you like, you can put compost around the plant.