Paeonies

Well this is certainly the time to plant or move peonies. Peonies like a neutral to slightly acidic soil (6.5 to 7.0), so if as you have alkaline soil, instead of digging regular compost into the planting hole, use an azalea or rhododendron soil mixture that is already acidic. Work this in very deeply and well, so that as the plant's roots grow, they will be in a nice acidic environment. Peonies prefer full sun but will do well enough in part shade. So I'd go for the area which gets sun from 11am. Just remember to keep them watered, they don't appreciate drying out! Good luck with them they are a joy to have. Try the tree peony too.

Thanks very much moongrower, my next question was going to be whether it was a good time to plant them now, but you have answered that for me too! Any special ones you would recommend?

When you plant them Junie, don't plant them any deeper than they are in the pot. Otherwise they may not flower.

Thanks Gilli - I 'meant' to say that and forgot!

Also they take a while to settle, so don't be too disappointed if you don't get flowers next year. They are well worth waiting for!

Yes I've read that they prefer neutral to acid soil but they grow very well on my alkaline soil. Also it's said that they won't flower after being moved, well they did for me. you know it's summer when they flower, no garden should be without one.

Hi Junie I'm perhaps not the best person to ask as Mr MB & I prefer the species peonies rather than the cultivars.

oh moongrower, now I am confused - what's the difference!

the cultivars are ones that have been bred from the species and dont come true from seed. They tend to have bigger 'blousier ' flowers. I have an alkaline garden and they do well for me in light shade thats more moist than dry.

welcome to GoY too.

What she said...

I would also add that I give my paeonies a good feed of general fertiliser every spring just as they start into growth

thanks all, very helpful (apart from the curved ball re. cultivars and species) !!!
I am going to read up on all that.

Junie, if you want smaller single flowers go for the species otherwise got for the 'blowsie' cultivars most of which are doubles. It is your choice, they are all peonies. They al look good, just a mater of what you like and feel will fit in your garden.

Some of them are very fragrant too although some are not. If they are the big blousie types you may have to stake them as they tend to flop especially when wet.
Mine are doing fantastically in my heavy clay and alkaline soil in our full hot sun.

Big blowsie ones are no good if they flop in the rain.

thanks everyone, I like a bit of "blowsie' but I think I will get one of each and see how it works out - I will let you all know.

Good luck (growing) and ask ig you need more advice.