Peonies are absolutely beautiful plants that require some good care to thrive. Here are some guides on how to look after your peony plant for longevity:
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Planting: Choose a sunny location for your peony plant with well-draining soil. Peonies prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. I always love to amend any of our soil with compost before planting.
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Watering: Peonies need regular watering, especially during dry spells (which has happened a lot this spring here). Water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the peony plant to help retain moisture, help keep the weeds, and maintain a cool root environment. Straw, wood chips, or shredded bark also work for a type of mulch for your plant.
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Supporting: Peonies produce large, heavy blooms that may need support to prevent them from flopping over. I always have done tomato cages as I think it's the easiest and cheaper route for plant help! Install them early in the growing season to avoid nipping any emerging shoots - it's just easier putting them in early.
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Pruning: Pruning peonies is generally minimal. In late fall or early spring, remove any dead foliage and clean up any debris around the plant. Don't cut back the stems in the fall, as the plants love having winter protection which is provided by the old foliage.
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Dividing: Over time, peonies can become overcrowded which can result in reduced blooming. Every 5 to 10 years, consider dividing the plant to rejuvenate it. The best time to divide or plant peonies is in the early fall when the foliage begins to die back.
Remember that peonies are perennials, and they usually take around 3 years to become established and produce abundant blooms. Unfortunately, planting a peony comes which the annoyance of needing patience but the reward you get after 3 years and being able to cut your peonies with stunning flowers year after year; it's worth it!