Peonies are starting to show themselves so let’s talk about some of the benefits and challenges associated with growing peonies.

One thing we love about peonies is that they do really well here. Cold winters don’t bother them. This is because they need that cold to help them get ready to bloom in the spring. Essentially, they need some time below 40 degrees, but they can take even colder weather, even with temperatures down in the minus 50-degree range. Let’s hope that never happens here.

For about the last 2000 years, peonies have been grown and cultivated. They are native to Europe, Asia, and Western-North America, but was about 1800 that the cultivated varieties became available in the United States.

One of the things many gardeners like about peonies is not only their perennial nature, but their longevity. If taken care of, peonies plants can thrive for 50 years, with some varieties able to live up to 100 years. I guess for most of us, planting peonies will be a gift for future generations as well.

When planting peonies, they like well-drained soil. If the soil in your landscape has a high clay content, you probably want to amend it with organic matter like composted manure. Doing this will help your peonies thrive and endure. They also need the sun but can tolerate a little shade.

After you plant your peonies, it will likely be a couple of years before you start to get those beautiful, giant blooms. If after 2 to 3 years you are still not getting blooms, you probably need to move them to an area where they can get more sun.

When planting peonies, be sure not to plant them too deep. When planting, you don’t want the crown of the plant to be more than two inches below the surface of the soil. If they are planted too deep, you will get a lot of green growth, but not many blooms. And, be careful not to over fertilize. Over fertilization will also inhibit blooming. Peonies will only need to be fertilized every couple of years.

Unfortunately, peonies are very susceptible to powdery mildew. With powdery mildew, you will notice white splotches on the leaves that spread to cover the leave as well as other leaves. The plants kind of look like they are dusted with flour when they have powdery mildew.

One way to help prevent powdery mildew on your peonies it to not overcrowd the plants. Proper airflow helps protect against this disease. At the first sign of powdery mildew, start treating the plant with copper fungicide and then at the end of the season, be sure to dispose of all the plant debris to minimize any year to year carry over of the disease.

If you have peonies or are about to get peonies, you are going to likely have ants all over those budding blooms. Ignore the internet. This is not a problem and contrary to what you read in the internet, ants are not necessary for blooms. The ants are attracted to the nectar the flower bud excretes before blooming. In addition, ants can deter other insects that may want to attack your peonies. They are welcome visitors to peonies.

So, if you want a beautiful, flowering plant that will last for years, give peonies a try. Good luck.

You can get answers to all your gardening questions by calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701, dropping by our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th Street, or by emailing us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org. Photo Tom Ingram