The Peonies are coming – The Peonies are Coming!

OK…so here I am again blogging at three in the morning. I was just doing some research on peony roses. They are about to steal the show! Mine have popped out of the ground…maybe 3-4”  I want to be sure that I give them the best start to the season. Here are my top 10 tips…for what it’s worth 😉

Here’s How to Get Them Ready

Peonies. The drama queens of the garden—and we love them for it.

They’re big, bold, fragrant, and frankly, a little high-maintenance. But like any true diva, when they perform, they perform. And if you want armloads of those pillowy blooms that look like they belong in a bridal bouquet (even if the only thing you’re marrying this spring is a new pair of garden clogs), it pays to give them some extra love before showtime.

Here are 10 things I swear by every spring to get my peonies stage-ready:

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1. Cut Back the Ghosts of Peonies Past

If you didn’t trim them down last fall, now’s the time. Get rid of the old, brown stalks—they’re not coming back, and they’re just sitting there looking like garden clutter. Give them a clean slate.

2. Look for the “Eyes”

Peonies pop up with little pink or red buds at the base of the plant called “eyes.” Don’t panic—they’re not watching you. They’re just letting you know where this year’s stems will come from. Be gentle around them when you’re cleaning up.

3. Check the Depth

Peonies like to be planted shallow. If yours haven’t bloomed well in a few years, the eyes might be too deep. They should be no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Too deep = all leaves, no flowers, which is not the look we’re going for.

4. Feed (But Don’t Overfeed)

Peonies aren’t needy, but they do appreciate a spring snack. A slow-release fertilizer or a little compost around the base is perfect. Skip the nitrogen-heavy stuff—it’ll make them leafy and lazy. *Read the note at the bottom about fertilizer 

5. Mulch? Maybe

If you mulch, do it lightly and keep it away from the crown. Peonies don’t like soggy feet or a blanket over their heads. Think lightweight throw, not a weighted duvet. 😉 

6. Stake ‘Em Early

Peonies are confident… until it rains. Then they flop like a tired toddler in Target. Put up supports now before they leaf out, or you’ll be wrestling with them later in full bloom. Been there. Not fun. If my peonies are blooming and I know we are in for some heavy rain I will put up an umbrella to save them 😂 

7. Don’t Even Think About Moving Them

Peonies are divas about their space. Once they’re settled, they want to stay put. Moving them can mean no blooms for years. So unless it’s an emergency, leave them where they are. 

8. Water During Dry Spells

Peonies don’t need constant babying, (although I DO baby mine) but a good deep drink during dry weeks helps them bulk up for bloom time. You want those buds to be plump and juicy, not sad and shriveled.

9. Inspect for Creepy Crawlies

Ants are fine (they love the buds), but check for botrytis blight—gray fuzz, wilting, or blackened stems. If you see it, cut it out and toss it (not in the compost). Peonies don’t do fungal drama well. I have included a link below for more information on botrytis blight. I have dealt with it in the past. If you love your peonies it is worth learning about this. 

10. Get the Vases Ready

Seriously, go find your prettiest vases now. Once those blooms open, it’s a race to snip them before a windstorm, a downpour, or a curious dog named Tank knocks them over. Bring them inside, brag a little, and live your best peony life.

Final Word: Let the Peony Parade Begin

Peonies may take a while to get going each spring, but once they do? Wow. Just wow. They’re proof that good things really do come to those who prep.

So go ahead—do a little garden fluffing, talk sweetly to your plants, and get ready for the jaw-dropping display. They’ll bloom, you’ll swoon, and every neighbor walking by will be a lil’ bit jealy 😉

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