Poundridge Nurseries, Inc. - Blog

Paeonia lactiflora

According to our calendars spring is here, and as the daytime temperatures increase it is the time of year that I walk outside with my eyes on the ground looking for signs of life from the soil. Only when I find spring bulbs and perennial plants emerging-”pipping” is the official gardener’s term-do I begin to believe that spring has finally sprung.

Of all the plants that “pip” in spring the most thrilling are the red, fist-like growths of my herbaceous peonies poking through the mulch. For me, peonies signal the arrival of spring because just the thought of a peony conjures visions of large, fragrant flowers on a sunny morning in May. Today’s pips remind me to get my peony hoops out of the shed and over the plants so the new stalks grow into them naturally. Now is also the time to pre-treat peonies with a copper-sulfate spray to prevent botrytis (a fungus that blackens the foliage) and to feed them with fish emulsion.

"Pipping" peonies!

Herbaceous peonies thrive in any fertile soil under full sun or partial shade conditions. They produce great cut flowers and after they bloom they form an attractive mound of foliage throughout the season. The foliage on some varieties will provide tinges of autumn color. While most gardeners know herbaceous peonies many have never seen a tree peony. Unlike herbaceous peonies, tree peonies don’t die back to the ground in the fall but develop a woody structure from which new growth and flowers emerge. Over time this woody structure forms awe-inspiring specimens six feet or taller. They may be a bit more difficult to find a spot for in your garden as they prefer morning sun followed by afternoon shade, but growing a tree peony should be on every gardener’s wish list.

Peonies in the garden.

Whenever I design a new garden I always try to find a place for peonies. On occasion I have been asked to design a garden that features peonies, allowing me to include masses of blooms with herbaceous varieties and then add structure with tree peonies. Peonies are one of gardening’s great delights adding reliable blooms and wonderful fragrance to any garden. Everyone should grow some.

Daryl Beyers, Landscape Designer

**SPECIAL OFFER**
PRINT A COPY OF THIS BLOG AND BRING IT TO POUNDRIDGE NURSERIES TO RECEIVE 15% OFF THE PURCHASE OF 5 OR MORE PEONIES.