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Grow Peonies
by
The Black Thumb Gardener
(IC: blogger)
Easy
Traveling American back roads, abandoned farmsteads come into view. More times than not, a thriving peony (Paeonia spp.) bush stands guard. Time your visit right, and you’ll be greeted by intoxicating blooms. The sight and smell testify to the tough beauty and resilience of these gorgeous old-time plants. Under the right conditions, they’ll live a century. Deserted homesteads provide excellent clues for peony care.
Most modern peony hybrids descend from Asian ancestors cultivated for thousands of years. Herbaceous plants, they die back to the ground every winter. Once established, like those farmstead stalwarts, peonies prefer to be left alone. For maximum blooms and health, give them permanent sites with direct, full sun at least six to eight hours daily. Hotter climates demand filtered sun for sunburn protection, but more shade means fewer flowers. Garden peonies need extended cold exposure to set their finest blooms. They flourish in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 9.
Most modern peony hybrids descend from Asian ancestors cultivated for thousands of years. Herbaceous plants, they die back to the ground every winter. Once established, like those farmstead stalwarts, peonies prefer to be left alone. For maximum blooms and health, give them permanent sites with direct, full sun at least six to eight hours daily. Hotter climates demand filtered sun for sunburn protection, but more shade means fewer flowers. Garden peonies need extended cold exposure to set their finest blooms. They flourish in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 9.
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Published April 27th, 2014 3:38 PM
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2 of 10 comments
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Roxanne Fischer on May 02, 2014Hi Juanita, would you have a picture of your tree peonies? I have never heard of them. Thank you .. Roxanne
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Anne Fitzpatrick on Sep 25, 2016Nunya, I leave them on the porch until I don't see any ants, it works for me!
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