Two spots to shun when cultivating captivating peonies: Expert horticulturists recommend steering clear of these zones for optimal flower growth.
Sun-Soaked Dreams and Well-Drained Delights
Hey there, garden enthusiast! If you've found your peony plant struggling this spring, it might be because you've planted it in one of the two worst spots for these sun-loving beauties: in the shade or in waterlogged soil. Here's what you need to know about why these locations are no-go zones for peonies, and how to save your plant and get it blooming again.
Peonies: The Sun's Besties
Peonies need a warm, sunny spot in your garden to thrive. According to Kate Turner, an expert horticulturalist at Evergreen Garden Care, these plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to bloom well. If your peony is spindly with long stems, producing few or no flowers, or looking weak, it's probably struggling due to shade.
Martin Rouse, plantsman and grower at Border Peonies, likens peonies to roses, stating they also crave full sun and a touch of breeze. He suggests planting them well away from a fence in a new sunny spot to improve airflow.
Peonies: Drain Those Moisture Levels
The other area you should never plant peonies is in waterlogged or poorly-draining soil. Water is a peony's biggest nemesis, and too much of it can lead to root rot, as stated by Martin. To keep your peonies happy and healthy, find a spot with soil that drains well but doesn't dry out completely.
When Life Gives You Shade or Swampy Soil, Make a Change
If you've planted your peony in an unsuitable location, don't fret! Wait until autumn to carefully relocate it. In the autumn, as you dig that up, you'll find next year's growing points.
When replanting, cut back old foliage, gently lift the plant with a fork, and ensure it's planted about 1.5 to 2 inches below the soil surface with well-draining, rich soil. Remember to prepare the new site by removing debris, weeds, and amending the soil with compost or mulch.
With a bit of TLC, your peony can bounce back from a less-than-ideal location and bloom in all its glory next season.
Happy Planting!
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Rebecca KnightRebecca Knight has been the Deputy Editor at our platform since 2022. With a Master's degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London, she brings her expertise in women's weekly magazines to the world of homes and interiors. She's been part of the our platform website team since 2019 and has covered everything from viral cleaning hacks to groundbreaking interior trends as the Homes News Editor across Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc, and our platform.
Incorporating peonies into your home-and-garden lifestyle could be a game-changer, given their preference for a warm, sunny location that drains well. If you find yourself struggling with houseplants or gardening techniques, consider Peonies: the Sun's Besties, known for thriving in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, just as recommended for tomatoes. However, avoid planting peonies in waterlogged or poorly-draining soil, as they detest water as their nemesis and may develop root rot. When faced with an unsuitable location for your peonies, simply relocate it during autumn amidst well-draining, rich soil in a new sunny spot.
