Peony Planting Instructions

Tree Peonies

Peonies bush better and quicker if planted deeply. The better the root system the less stress the plant has in dry summers. I recommend mulching but not too close to the stems as you don't want to rot the stems of the plant. I water twice weekly in summer and only when needed the rest of the year.

Feed twice yearly - Anzac Day and Melbourne Cup are ideal memory joggers - I use a double handful each of dolomite lime and blood and bone. Sprinkle these around the plant and water in well. They will take to pot culture but need a free draining potting mix.

Herbaceous Peonies

Plant with the eyes up NO MORE than 2.5 cm or 1 inch below the surface of the soil. I do not recommend herbaceous peonies for pots as the root system spreads - they need the same feeding as Tree Peonies but a bit later than Melbourne Cup as they flower later - diarise for 1 December as most cultivars will have finished flowering by then.

Elisabeth Rundle

The Peony Lady

Autumn 2003

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