Peonies…

We are so lucky here in the Northwest to have the ability to grow such gorgeous and showy blooms!  I have been patiently waiting for what seems like months now for my peonies to bloom & last weekend, I found my garden had exploded with color from them…Here are some photo’s of the peonies blooming in my gardens right now!!! 

 

Here are photo’s of my peony trees that bloomed over a month ago.  The blooms one the trees are huge!!!!

Follow these growing tips for beautiful, long-lasting plants and flowers:

• Planting – just barely below the surface…no more than 2” below the soil.
• Peonies like sun – when you’re planting be mindful of where you plant them. Don’t place them near trees that will grow and shade them. It’s important to plan ahead since they DON’T like being transplanted; 6-7 foot long roots makes moving them difficult.
• Peonies like well-drained soil – they don’t like wet feet!
• Peonies like good food – fertilize them once a year in the spring while they are growing.
• Peonies like a trim – in the fall (after first frost), you can cut it back to the ground. When the foliage begins turning brown, the plant is finished storing food for next year’s growth. You will get more blooms next year - if you let the foliage die back on it’s own.
• Peonies like support - stake tall varieties. The heavy blossoms tend to droop toward the ground and will welcome a bit of extra support. A two step ring-type support works great.
• Peonies don’t mind ants – and neither should you.  Ants sip the nectar from the buds, but do not harm the plant. If you’d like to snip blossoms, clip them before the buds open & gently shake the ants off before bringing indoors.

Thanks for coming over & visiting!  Hope to see you link up later this evening for Cottage Flora Thursday’s!  & please invite your gardening friends to join in the party too! To see where else I may be linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook