What are Peonies
Peonies perennials are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. They are known for their large, showy flowers and come in a range of colors, including pink, white, red, and yellow. They are ornamental flowers commonly grown in gardens and used in floral arrangements.
Peonies are cold-weather plants growing best in areas with cold winters and mild summers. Like most plants, they prefer soil rich in organic matter that is moist but drains well. To produce beautiful blooms, peonies need 6 to 8 hours of sun daily, although afternoon shade is also a big plus.
They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, but some varieties may do well in zones 9-10 with proper care. Peonies are known for their long lifespan and can live for decades when properly cared for. They are relatively low-maintenance plants that require little attention once established, making them a great addition to any garden.
Stages of Peonies From Seed to Bloom
Peonies growing stages from seed to buds can be a lengthy process, taking a minimum of 3 years to produce blooms, but once they take hold, you have an amazing plant for several generations – really. If you take good care of your peony, it can last as long as 100 years!
Here are the stages you can expect –
Collect seeds
Collect peony seeds once they’ve turned brown to a dark brown which for most areas is during the month of August. If you’re collecting from a healthy mature plant, you might be able to retrieve up to 50 seeds from one pod.
Notice the color of the collected seeds, those with a more golden tone may germinate faster than those which are dark brown. The reason for this is the dark brown seeds have gone into a “double dormancy” and have a protective coating. This coating may make it difficult for the plant to germinate. To help it along, you can soak the seed for a day or so to soften the shell or plant it knowing it may take longer (possibly a season) than the golden-colored seeds.
When choosing seeds, look for seeds that are irregular in shape – it is unlikely that these will germinate, so you don’t want to waste your time planting them. Also, discard any that are mushy or moldy.
Stratification
Peony seeds require a period of warm + cold +warm. If you pick your seeds during warm climates, you can plant them directly into the ground or inside starter planting kits. If you don’t plan on planting them immediately, you can mimic the natural winter conditions by placing the seeds in a plastic bag with some damp vermiculite or sand, seal the bag, and refrigerate it for up to a month. This process is stratification.
Germination
You can sow the seeds directly in the ground about 2 inches deep and 1/2 to 2 inches apart. If you prefer to use a pot, dig a hole and place the pot. The peony will begin to root after the plants have had temperatures from 70°F to 80°F for 60 to 90 days.
Sprouting
In early spring, the peony plant will begin to send up shoots above the ground. These shoots will develop into stems that will eventually produce flowers.
Vegetative growth
After a few years, the peony seedlings will start producing leaves and continue to grow taller. The stems will thicken and become sturdy, preparing to support the weight of the flowers.
Budding
Once the plants mature around late spring, they will start producing buds that will eventually develop into beautiful blooms. This can take anywhere from 3-5 years, depending on the growing conditions and variety of the peonies.
Bloom time
Finally, the buds will open up into large, showy flowers that can last for 7-10 days, providing a beautiful addition to your garden or floral arrangements.
Fading
All good blooms must end, and that holds true for peonies too. After almost two weeks, the blooms will fade, and the petals will fall. The plant will continue to produce leaves and grow until the end of the growing season, preparing for the next year’s growth cycle.
What to Plant With Peonies
Many companion plants work well with peonies, from soil requirements to size and even blooming times.
- Iris and peonies both bloom in spring and have similar water and soil requirements.
- Alliums are tall, dramatic bulbs that are great for adding height to your garden and are often planted together with peonies.
- Daylilies are great companions for peonies because they bloom at different times and have similar light and water requirements.
- Daffodils are another great spring-blooming bulb that pairs well with peonies.
- Hostas are shade-loving plants that can create a beautiful contrast when planted near peonies
- Bleeding Hearts are dainty, heart-shaped flowers that can add a touch of romance and whimsy to your garden when planted with peonies.
- Salvia is a sun-loving plant that can add a splash of color to your garden and complement the pink and red hues of peonies.
Ultimately, the choice of plants to plant with peonies will depend on your personal preference and the growing conditions in your garden.