Peonies

Peonies provide an old-fashioned special attraction in northern gardens during their short bloom period. The pink white and rose fully double flowers last only a week or so but by selecting early midseason and late varieties you can extend the display up to eight weeks

For all-season color plant peonies with spring-flowering bulbs followed closely by summer-flowering bulbs corms and tubers so that there is a full season of color. Take notes of where you planted what so they are not accidentally disturbed when the foliage has died down and the plants are not visible.

Or plant them with iris daylilies mums and asters. Also the tall foliage of peonies make good background plants for low-growing annuals all summer long as marigold ageratum pansies and dwarf versions of many popular annuals.

Consider these factors when choosing a location for your peonies:

Peonies need at least six hours of sun a day. Any less that they will not flower well.

They enjoy a good rich organic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.2.

Since strong winds easily rip apart the blossoms plant peonies in a protected area. A fence or wall near them assists.

Provide good drainage. Spade up the beds well to break up solid pieces especially if the soil is clay. If drainage is a problem use a raised bed. The plant will be almost as wide as it is tall (about three feet) so allow plenty of room. They love to grow out but not up so much.

Don't plant near the roots of trees or large shrubs. These plants will take away a lot of the needed water and food. Also the competition for moisture and nutrients will cause the peony to produce smaller flowers.

No matter the soil be sure to feed them weekly one you see spring growth for larger flowers and greener foliage