Bestselling Peony Box

1 peony White Cap
1 peony Mother's Choice
1 peony Bowl of Beauty
1 peony Alexander Fleming
1 peony Sarah Bernhardt
1 peony Duchesse de Nemours

Choose fertile and well-draining soil. Optionally, mix sand or compost into the soil to improve drainage. Always plant peonies in the ground in full sun. Be careful not to plant a peony in a spot where one has previously grown; it's better to choose a different location. The previous peony may have left behind a disease or depleted the soil.

PLANTING

Always allow freshly purchased plants to soak thoroughly in a bucket of water first. The plant can safely sit in the water for half an hour to an hour to replenish moisture after transport.

Do not plant the 'eyes' (buds) of the peony deeper than 5 centimeters into the ground. If the peony is planted too deeply, it will not produce flowers. In milder climates, 2 to 3 cm below the surface is recommended so that the eyes get some cold. It is advisable to mix compost into the topsoil. Be careful with fresh manure, as this can cause the core to rot.

Support your peonies with a support ring for the large flowers. Fertilize the plant twice a year to stimulate growth, in autumn and early spring. Preferably choose an organic fertilizer, as this nourishes the plant slowly over a longer period. Also, cut off any remaining leaves and stems in the spring.

In the first year after planting, there is only a small chance that your peony will bloom, as the plant will need to get used to its new location. A peony is often at its most beautiful after about 4 years and then produces an abundance of flowers. It is advisable to divide the plant after about 8 or 9 years if you notice that the flowering is decreasing. Dig up the plant and divide it. Replant the younger sections in a different spot in the garden. In this way, your peony plant can last a lifetime!