Peonies, the stunning flower

It's time to talk about the beautiful peony flower. This unparalleled natural beauty can shine in your vase or garden. It can also decorate the church on your wedding day or make up your bridal bouquet. Choose it alone or combine with other flowers such as tulips, irises and roses.

The peony is a leaflet shrub, with a basic flowering period in the months of April to June. As a plant it is charismatic. Its height in the conditions of our country ranges are from 50-60 cm up to 1.5 meters. Its leaves are hard, shiny and large, in bright green. The flowers of the plant are also impressive in size, with a diameter of up to 10 centimeters.

The colors and shapes of peony vary. There are more than 1000 varieties available in many shapes and colors, with single or double petals. A great range of colors is offered by the seductive peony, such as pale yellow, classic white, romantic pink or striking dark red. But its aroma does not go unnoticed as it is very attractive and beautiful sweet!

The origin of peony

Peony has come to Europe in 1784, but in China and Japan they enjoyed it much earlier. There, peony was cultivated not only for its flowers but also for its roots. According to the Chinese, it can be used to reduce fever and thrombus in the blood.

The ideal climate for the growth and flowering of peony

Peonies prefer the climate with a mild cold, because it helps them flowering. They also prefer sunny spots, but they can also survive in semi-dark surroundings. They need protection from frost and cold air in the winter

The right soil is important

Plant your peony in fertile, free-draining soil. Peonies are not generally too fussy about the soil and are quite happy in chalky or clay soils, with neutral pH.

Watering

They need regular irrigation, especially in the summer. In winter time they don’t need much water.

Multiply peony plants

The only way to multiply peony plants is to divide peonies. This might sound complicated, but it’s not. First, you need to use a sharp spade and dig around the peony plant. Be very careful not to damage the roots. Once you have the roots out of the ground look for the crown buds.

Make sure each piece has at least one crown bud. Three visible crown buds is best. Plant the pieces in a location suitable for growing peonies. Set the root so the eyes face upward on top of a mound of soil in the hole, placing the roots just 2 inches below the soil surface. Don’t plant too deep!

The hole to be planted should have at least 45-50 cm depth and 45-50 cm wide. At the bottom of the hole add a layer of some organic material, such as soil compost or manure. Half a cup of a good fertilizer (not chemical) rich in phosphorus, could also be mixed with the first layer. Spread the roots out evenly. Scrub the ground around the roots, fill with new soil until the hole is full, and then water again.

The best season of planting or transplanting peony is early in autumn, but it can also be done in spring. Autumn planting helps plants adapt to the soil early before the winter comes and give you flowers from the very first time.

Notice: If you plant peony in a garden in spring time is likely not to bloom for a couple of years. However, peony trees that will be planted early in spring time can flower in the first year.

Peonies and Ants

Don’t worry if you see ants crawl on the peony buds. They are eating nectar in exchange for attacking bud-eating pests. They are attracted to the sugary droplets on the outside of flower buds or to the honeydew produced by scale insects. Never spray the ants. They’re helping you to bring up peonies to bloom!

Peonies in a Vase

Peonies make wonderful cut flowers, lasting more than a week in a vase. For best results, cut long stems in the morning when the buds are still fairly tight. You can wrap freshly cut peony stems in damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. When removing the peonies from the refrigerator give the stems a fresh cut and place them in water.

Peony in the garden or on balcony

Peony has been grown in gardens for 600 years. Indeed, the plant can survive for more than 50 years. For this, before planting, select the spot with care and long-term planning. Notice that peonies do not like frequent transplants. Once they adapt to the place you give them, they will have a chance to stay there for many years.

If planted in the garden, they create low, almost irregular colorful fences or natural partitions. Individually they can be planted in corners or elsewhere in the garden. When peonies are in full development they may reach a diameter of one meter, so it is important to provide them with enough space. You should plant them away from large trees or shrubs because there will be competition in the absorption of nutrients from the soil, with results not being able to give you great quality flowers.

Peony's values and symbols are also the most important ones we meet. Peony is associated with love, happiness and health. For this reason, it is not surprising that peony is often chosen as a basic flower in wedding decorations and wedding bouquets.

If you want a stylish choice to decorate your house, balcony or even to give to your loved ones, peony is our proposal. Find at our site www.anthemionflowers.com the ideal peony gift for any occasion!