Horticulture specialist and CEO of Crown Pavilions, Luke Dejahang, tells Express.co.uk that there is one task you can do now to ensure peonies produce the most spectacular blooms. Simply watering the stunning plant correctly can deliver “more beautiful blooms in summer.”
Mr Dejahang explains: “You should water peonies deeply but infrequently, so about once a week is perfect. Watering once a week encourages strong root growth and more blooms.” Whilst proper watering can promote additional flowers, there are other elements that can provide assistance.
First, it’s beneficial to understand the correct planting depth for peonies.
Mr Dejahang said: “Ensure peonies are planted at the correct depth, with the crown (where the stem meets the root) just below the soil surface, as planting too deep can prevent blooming.”
Balanced fertilisation is equally crucial, though moderation is key; excessive amounts can result in “leafy growth with fewer blooms, which isn’t what you want”.
Mulching proves essential too, with Mr Dejahang advising to “apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature”.
Furthermore, “peonies thrive in full sun to partial shade, so you should ensure that they are placed in a suitable area where they can receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily”.
Deadheading peonies
“You should deadhead because it helps to neaten the plant, reduce the risk of fungal infections, and promote a healthier plant ready to flower again next spring.”
To deadhead peonies, use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the stem just below the spent flower above the first set of healthy leaves.
Planting peonies for next year
Mr Dejahang suggests the best factors to consider include soil preparation, planting time, sunlight, and pruning.
He said: “Peonies prefer rich, well-drained soil, so you should improve the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.”
Peonies should also be planted “in late autumn or early spring” in a sunny area of the garden. He added: “In late autumn, you should cut back herbaceous peonies to the ground to prevent disease.”
