Peonies are one of my favorite flowers, and they smell heavenly. But once peony buds start to open, the flowers quickly become too large for the stems to support the heavy flowers, and inevitably they go crashing to the ground. Adding peony supports at the right time will keep your peonies from falling over.
The biggest mistake people make with their peonies is leaving them completely unsupported. If peony flowers are left unsupported, they will collapse to the ground almost as soon as the buds open.
If peony flowers are left on the ground, they will only last a few days and you won’t get to see them in their full glory.
Why Are My Peonies Falling Over?
Peonies fall over because the stems aren’t strong enough to support the huge peony blooms. The peony stems may be able to handle the weight for a few days while the buds are opening.
But throw a rain shower or two in there and… timber! The peony flowers quickly flop to the ground.
Hot pink peony falling over before adding plant supports
It’s so sad to see a peony bush completely collapsed just at the peak of its bloom time.
If you give peony flowers support, the blooms will last several days longer, and more of the flower buds will be able to open on the bush.
Stop peonies from falling over using a peony support frame
How To Keep Peonies From Falling Over
It’s not difficult to add plant supports to keep your peonies growing upright. In order to give the proper support for peonies, you need to get some peony cages to hold them up.
Just make sure that the support you use is the right size for you peonies.
Some peony varieties grow taller than others, and will need taller supports to hold the flowers upright.
If your supports are too short, the flowers will simply collapse over the top of the supports.
Also keep in mind that a large peony bush will require a wider support than a smaller one.
My beautiful light pink peonies
Types of Peony Supports
Peony supports come in many forms, and the type you use will depend on how large your peony plant is.
Peony cages: If your peony bush is small to medium sized, then you can have lots of options.
You can buy peony support cages that are specifically made for flowers like peonies, like this one with stackable rings.
Wire tomato plant supports (like these heavy duty wire tomato cages or these convenient foldable tomato cages) also work great to support a small peony plant.
Grow through peony supports: A peony grid, or other type of grow through plant supports also work great for supporting small peony plants.
DIY peony supports (homemade): For really large peony bushes, you will need large plant supports.
The easiest thing to do in this case can use heavy-duty stakes and string or ties (I love using these stretchy plastic ties or this cut-a-size wire garden twist ties) to create your own plant hoop supports.
Peony cages keep peonies from falling over
When To Add Peony Supports
The best time to add a support to your peony bush is either early in the spring before the stems grow too tall, or late fall after you have cut down the stems for the winter.
I prefer to add mine in the fall to prevent damage to tender new growth in the spring.
Then, as the peony stems begin to grow each spring (and they grow fast!), help them by carefully guiding them to grow through the center of the support.
Be gentle though, because the tender new growth can break really easily.
If you build your own peony support out of stakes and string, you can install it at any time. Just be careful not to damage the peony bulbs when you pound the stakes into the ground.
Add peony support cages before peony stems start growing
How To Support Peonies With Grow Through Plant Supports
If you’re using peony cages, wire tomato cages, or another type of grow through peony supports, position the support so that the plant is centered in the hoop.
Then you can simply push the legs of the support into the ground around your peony.
Ideally, the diameter of the hoops on your cages should be larger than the diameter of the rootball of your peonies.
If your peony cage is too small, you risk damaging the peony roots and bulbs when you push the cages into the ground.
Wire tomato cages are perfect for supporting small peonies
How To Support A Large Peony Bush
If your peony bush is too large to use grow through plant supports, then you can create a DIY peony cage using plant stakes and ties.
You can also use this method for supporting peonies that are already flowering, to prop up any flowers that are already drooping, or to support peonies that are too tall for commercial peony cages.
Here’s what you’ll need to make homemade plant supports for peonies.
Supplies Needed:
- Heavy duty stakes (the number of stakes you need depends on how large your plant is)
- Plant ties (I like to use twine, plastic plant ties or select-a-size wire ties)
- Hammer or rubber mallet
How To Make Peony Plant Supports Step-By-Step
Step 1: Position a plant stake a few inches away from the rootball, then use your hammer or rubber mallet to drive the it into the ground.
Step 2: Work your way around your peony plant, driving in another stake every few feet until you have made a circle around your peony.
DIY plant support frame using tall plant stakes for large peony bush
Step 3: Tie one end of your plant tie to a plant stake, string it to the next stake, and wrap it around or tie it to the stake to secure it.
Keep wrapping the plant tie around each plant stake until you have a full ring around the entire peony bush.
If your peony already has drooping flowers, then gently lift them up as you work your way from stake to stake.
Using plastic ties to make plant supports for peonies
Step 4: Position the plant tie so that it sits just below the base of the peony flowers to give them the best support. If your peony ring is too low, the flowers can still flop over.
Tie up peonies using plastic plant ties and stakes
Don’t worry too much if your DIY peony cage isn’t perfect. Once the plant is done blooming, you can simply remove the support. I usually remove the stakes and plant ties when I prune my peonies after they’re done blooming.
But, I just leave my peony cages in year round. It’s too hard to remove grow through supports once the plant has filled in, and you can’t really see them through the thick leaves anyway.
Light pink peony flowers kept upright with grow through plant supports
Peony Care & Growing Tips
- Remove the spent peony flowers as the petals start to turn brown. This will encourage the small buds to open, extending the bloom time.
- Since they are such early spring growers, it’s best to cut down peonies in the fall after hard frost has killed the foliage. This also helps prevent pests and disease. Simply cut the plant all the way down to the ground.
- Trim your peonies after they’re done blooming to remove the dead flowers, and give the plants a nice shape for the summer.
- Don’t cut peony foliage down to the ground too early or your peony won’t have enough time to store up the energy it needs to bloom in the spring.
For more details about how to grow peonies in your garden, read my comprehensive peonies care guide.
Getting into the habit of adding your peony plant supports before your plant even start to grow will make it much easier to keep the flowers from flopping every spring.
But don’t worry if you forgot, you can still stake your peonies after the flowers have opened, and save them from crashing to the ground.
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- How To Grow Canna Lilies: Complete Care Guide
Share your tips for keeping peonies from falling over, and tell us about your peony supports in the comments section below.
Debi says
Question, we have summers over 100* and my leaves start to burn. I’m wondering if they should have some shade here? I’m in Sacramento Ca. Thanks in advance, and very much enjoyed your read.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, I would add a shade cloth, or move it to a spot where it will have shade during the hottest time of the day. Peonies don’t do well in warm climates. Here’s a detailed article about how to care for them… How To Grow Peony Plants.
Lacey says
So I pretty much didn’t read much on transplanting peony as i have transplanted plants before. Now that I transplanted I’m hosting I didn’t do it wrong? I transplanted it june 1st. It’s in a little bit more of a shady spot should I tranplant it again in fall so its in a more sunny spot?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Peonies will tolerate partial shade, but won’t bloom as much. So, it would be best if you could move it to a full sun location.
Michelle says
Amy, I purchased a lake home in northern MN in 2008 and there is a peony bush in a garden that has since gone away due to the multitudes of deer coming through the yard and eating everything but the peony. I am not quite sure how I lucked out on that one. So basically, I have a peony bush right in the middle of the yard and it needs to be moved. When is the best time to move a peony bush? How much sunlight does it need as that will determine where I move it to. As it is so large, I think it could be divided if you have any recommendations for that.
Right now, it is starting to grow nicely and time for me to put supports in the ground to help support it. Thank you for any assistance you can provide me.
Amy Andrychowicz says
The best time to transplant peonies is in the fall. They need full sun to grow and bloom their best. Give my detailed peony care guide a quick read. That will answer all of your questions, and give you tons of tips for success. 🙂
Dennis Wiesenborn says
Thanks so much for your web page on peony supports! We have some big, old peonies in our garden in Moorhead,MN. The only supports we have found that are up to the challenge have hoops made from one-quarter inch welded steel rod (3 legs, top hoop is about 18″ in diameter). We bought these over 10 years ago from Baker Nurseries in Fargo, but now we wish we had bought more. Baker no longer carries these, and we cannot find anyone else who sells this product. Can you point us in the right direction? One of your photos looks like it might show the type for which we are searching.
I know we are already too late for this season, but might as well plan for next year.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I would definitely check online. I have linked to a few grow-through style hoops that I found on Amazon in the post above under the section titled “Types Of Peony Supports”.
Sue Carvell says
I transplanted the peonies from my mother’s yard to mine about a year after her death. The next Spring the first bud burst open into full flower on my mother’s birthday, May 2. They continue to grow each Spring and always bloom near her birthday.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, what a wonderful memory of your mother. Peonies are such a classic plant that can live for many, many years! Enjoy!
Deborah Clayton says
Could you please help me
This may seem a silly question I am growing a peony for the first time.I have a Peony that grows upto 80cm. What size frame do I buy. I have see one that’s 75cm or one at 92cm.? Many thanks
Deb x
Amy Andrychowicz says
Either would work, but I think I would use the taller peony support for yours. Once you push them into the ground, you’ll lose a few inches of height. And, if the support is a bit too tall, you can just push it in a little deeper.
Carolyn Miyasaki says
Amy, I planted a peony this year and it was beautiful. out article has been helpful. However, I was away from home for a month this summer.In that time, my peony plant lost its color (pale green) and was covered with a white powdery substance. I think it got sick while I was gone. Can it be saved?
Also, when one cuts the plant back in the fall, do you cut it to near the ground?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Powdery mildew is very common for peonies, especially if they are right next to the house, or crowded by other plants. It won’t kill your peony though, it just looks ugly. Yes, cut them back to the ground in the fall. Here’s a post that will give you even more details about peonies care… How To Grow Peony Plants
Sandy says
Make sure you throw away the spent foliage so the mildew doesn’t spread as much. I have found that this really helps. I have 13 large peony bushes!
Shelley S says
Should you mulch after you plant a peony? *I just ordered mine for fall delivery in Zone 7. I read about how to amend the soil, but nothing about mulching. Since mulch is usually to protect, and they need to freeze, I am not sure…..Thanks so much! I have really enjoyed all of your helpful information!
Amy Andrychowicz says
No, you don’t need to mulch peonies after planting. FYI, my peonies care guide has tons of info that you may find helpful… How To Grow Peony Plants
vivian gerard says
I transplanted my peonies they take about 3 years to come back they sleep creep and leap
Amber says
I have a very happy peony bush that is about 3 years old. I have been consistently getting big blooms every spring, but the flower stems are very leggy or tall compared to the rest of the foliage on the lower part of the plant. I know some varieties grow taller than others, but I was wondering if there was a way to make the bush fuller? Would pinching back help? I am new to peonies, so any advice helps! Thanks!
Amy Andrychowicz says
No, pinching back peonies won’t help to keep the flowers shorter. If you pinch off the flower buds, then you’re just cutting off your blooms. If it’s not growing in full sun, then it could be reaching for light. But other then making sure your peonies are growing in full sun. there’s nothing you can do to keep the flowers from growing tall.