Herbaceous peonies only grow in cool
climates with cold winters such
as Tasmania, Victoria and mountain
districts – they need cold to help trigger
the development of the flower bud. Tree
peonies also prefer cold climates but will
also grow in cool temperate areas.Position herbaceous and tree peonies in
full sun and shelter from strong winds.
In climates with hot summers, a lightly
shaded spot is preferable.Plant in deep, moist and well-drained soil
enriched with well-rotted compost and
manure. A neutral soil pH is desired by
herbaceous peonies but tree peonies prefer
a more alkaline soil, so add dolomite lime
and fork in well before planting.Keep soil moist, but never wet. In summer,
water to keep soil cool and ensure it doesn’t
dry out. Once established (1–2 years), tree
peonies are quite drought tolerant, but
benefit from regular watering throughout
the growing and flowering season.In late winter, feed herbaceous peonies
with a well-balanced fertiliser and
remove surrounding weeds. Apply
fertiliser again in summer after peonies
have finished flowering and you have
deadheaded. For tree peonies, feed in
winter and late spring with a fertiliser
low in nitrogen but high in phosphorus
and potassium. This will help encourage
strong root growth g.HowdoIgrowthem?
4.With so
many shades
of pink, it’s
hard to stop at
just one! Look
for ‘Monsieur
Jules Elie’,
‘Pink Twinkle’
or ‘Delachei’.‘Sure it’s
pretty, but
why’s it inourbath?’pen
t growth and flowering- The dark fuchsia pink blooms of
this tree peony, ‘Chinese Dragon’, will
show up any flower in your garden.
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gardendelight
▲Photography GAP Photos/Freidrich Strauss, The Garden Collective/FP/Nova Photo Graphite, The Garden Collective/FP/Annette Lepple‘Early Scout’