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.
My peonies are falling over and need to be supported
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 my peony 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 plant supports once the plant has filled in, and you can’t really see them through the thick peony 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.
Products I Recommend
More About Flower Gardening
- Perennials Made Easy! How To Create Amazing Gardens
- How To Plant Garden Bulbs For Spring Flowers
- Tips for Planting, Growing and Storing Canna Lilies
Share your tips for keeping peonies from falling over, and tell us about your peony supports in the comments section below.
John says
Very good posting. I have a running joke with one of my neighbors that’s essentially each of us asking the other – “Are you going to remember to stake your peonies this year?” This could be the year though, I have some foot high wire fencing material that I’m going to use to stake them up.
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL, well at least you try to help each other remember to do it. I put the supports around mine as soon as I’m done trimming them down in the fall. That way, I won’t forget come spring. Good luck, hope you get yours done in time.
Amy
Dee says
I have used the small wire patio tables you can get at Walmart to support my peonies for years. Everyone always asks what I’m using for my peonies. You have to start training the peonies as they grow to go through the wire on the table top.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Well now that is a very ingenious idea for staking your peonies, and it looks nice too I bet. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
ric says
I love the tips. I stake everything because I can not bare to see wasted beauty. I would like to know when is the best time to divide my peonies?
Amy Andrychowicz says
The best time to divide and transplant peonies is in the fall.
Carmel o Regan says
Do not upset the roots. They do not like to be disturbed. A Peony plant can survive 100 hundred years. They are so divine. Good luck.Carmel.
Adriane says
I currently have a separated one from my mother in law’s grandmother! They are 100+ years old and look just as youthful and fluffy as the newly bought ones! I love them!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
WOW, that is so awesome!! I love the history of your peonies!
Sarah says
Any thoughts on the grow through supports for peonies? Thanks
Amy Andrychowicz says
They work great. Just make sure to get tall ones, cause some of them are too short for peonies.
peggy says
You never know when an old plastic tablecloth or used plastic paint drop cloth might come in handy. Last year, when I heard it was going to rain, I covered my blooming peony plants with these and was delighted to see my flowers were standing up, not soggy and droopy, when I removed the coverings.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wow, that’s a great idea! thanks for sharing your tip for protecting your gorgeous peony blooms.
Nancy Dixon says
I like your ideal of covering the peony during a rain storm . Its a great tip and one I’d never thought of.
I’ve got a question. I have both a white peony and a hot pink peony. The white one has a wonderful smell to it as to where the pink one has no smell at all . Can someone tell me why that is. I really feel so sad when I go to cut the flowers to take inside my home to enjoy them just knowing they have no scent at all . Sad in N.C.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Some peony varieties are more fragrant than others. The dark pink ones usually aren’t as fragrant as the white or light pink ones. Nothing you can do about it, unfortunately. Just enjoy their beauty. 🙂
Melissa says
Hi! I have a question about peonies. I have a peony bush that is no longer blooming. The foliage is very healthy, green. But for the last season or two no flowers, no buds or anything. Why would that be?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If it used to bloom, but isn’t blooming anymore then I would say you’re either removing the foliage from the plant too early in the season, or it’s not getting enough sun. Be sure to leave the foliage on the plant until after it dies back in the fall so it has plenty of time to build up enough energy to bloom in the spring. Also, check the sun exposure of the area. It may be that plant used to be in full sun, but maybe a tree has grown taller or a fence went up, and now it’s not getting enough sun. If that’s the case, then move it to a sunny spot in the fall.
Gene Payne says
My mom always taught me when transplanting or splitting the bulbs, to never plant the bulbs too deep. If they are planted too deep, they won’t bloom, but will have beautiful foliage. She always had beautiful flowers!
Amy Andrychowicz says
That is correct, your mom was right! Thanks for sharing that peony growing tip with us!
doreen says
I have my great grand dad’s peonies at my mom’s and they need moved to my place in order to keep’em in the family so when is the best time to replant them and how to do it but let’s keep in mind my thumbs aren’t black but have moved to brown I don’t kill everything but then again Help
Amy Andrychowicz says
The best time to transplant peonies is in the fall. But, if you can’t wait that long, you can move them any time. Check out my peonies plant care guide for details about when and how to transplant your grand dad’s peonies.
Dianna says
Hi, Im having trouble with my Peony. The leaves are turning brown. Do I waite it out till Fall or trim it back now. It has been handed down through my family for years and I really dont want to loose it. Please help. Thanks
Amy Andrychowicz says
There are several reasons why peony leaves can start to turn brown and die. First, make sure your peony is getting enough water. If you live in a hot/dry area or have been having an abnormally dry summer, peonies can suffer and will need to be watered more often. If you’re sure it’s getting enough water, then it could be mildew or disease. I would take a few of the infected leaves to a local garden center and see if they can identify the problem for you.
Elena says
What kind of peony would grow in Florida?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Unfortunately, most peonies require a long cold dormant period to grow and thrive. They are only recommended for growing in colder zones. I have heard of some that can be grown successfully in zone 8, and those might be able to thrive in certain micro-climates in zone 9 (like in the coolest spot in your yard on the north side of the house), but I’m not familiar with those varieties. You could check with local nurseries or garden centers to see if they can recommend anything for you.
Jackie says
I sold my home in mid July and bought another here in Oklahoma. I couldn’t bear the thought of abandoning and leaving all my peonies, so I dug up a few and planted them here at the new place. I cut back the stems to about 6-8″ and have kept them watered. I am SOOO hoping they survive, what do you think?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, glad to hear you were able to take some of your peonies with you! Yes, definitely keep them well watered during the hot summer months. I think they have a good chance of surviving. Keep in mind that they may not flower for you next year, it may take a year or two. Good luck!
Patricia R Moore says
I have never been successful growing peonies. I live in Southern California, zone 9. I just read another post and it as suggested to pour ice cubes on them several times during their winter season. Does anyone have an opinion?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yah, peonies need a cold, dormant period in order to thrive and bloom. They definitely grow best in colder climates. I have heard of people successfully growing them in warmer climates by icing them, but I have no idea how often you’d need to do that in order to be successful. That is definitely one thing I would miss if I moved to a warmer climate. 🙁
Vineta @ The Handyman's Daughter says
My peonies just started poking out of the ground, so I need to stake them stat! I have a broken tomato cage that would be perfect. Thanks for the tips!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great! You’re welcome. 🙂
Bre @ Average But Inspired says
Such great info! My poor peonies are always drooping. Thanks for sharing at The DIY Collective!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, thanks for stopping by!
Cynthia says
Yes, as soon as I begin my Spring clean-up, I put the Peony supports in. They’re a must, if you don’t want your plants to get wrecked.
Helen says
Thanks for the tips. I live in a zone 2 in the mtns of wyoming and amazingly grow peonies. I love them. The area is classed as high desert and limited rain so I have to make sure they get enough water. This year I imported peonies from the Ukraine – 13 fabulously healthy roots with about 7 eyes each. I couldnt wait until spring, and now here we are May 3 and all are about 3″ tall. cannot wait to see if I get flowers this year. Fingers crossed. My “domestic” peonies have small buds forming already.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wow, that’s fantastic!! Good for you. Peonies are very hardy.
Judy says
I have taken old newspapers and put down around all my peonys so there is no more weeds I have to pull. I then put river rock on top of papers so they cant be seen. I do have a problem with ants all over my peonys is this normal they seem to love peonys more than my other flowers
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome! Yes, ants on peonies is normal.
Helen says
Yep ants and peonies come togeether. I use tomato cages for my supports and then put the green gardening velcro in a criscross pattern at the top to support the peonies as they grow. My husband buts off the bottom 1 run from the 32″ tomato cages and I use them for other things. Much cheaper than peony supports and work well. Here in the rockies my peonies are getting to be about 18″ tall with my new Ukrainian plantings smaller but all look healthy.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, thanks for the tip. My peony buds are just about to burst open, I’m so excited!
Sharon brickner says
You have to have the ants or the flower wont open. I believe more ants the better the flower is.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Actually, the idea that peonies need ants to bloom is a common gardening myth. I didn’t have any ants on my peonies for years, and they always flowered just fine. The ants (and wasps) like the sweet residue on the buds, but I don’t they have any benefit to the plant.
Patricia Heldoorn says
Thanks for the great article. I just put my peony ring on last week as I finally noticed how big the bush was getting. But I have a question. My neighbor has peonies that have been there for several decades, practically a solid bed of them. I don’t think once can distinguish individual plants anymore. What would you suggest as a way to support a mass of peonies that probably 2 or 3 feet by about 6 feet? Thank you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
It sounds like it might be a good time for your neighbor to divide their peonies to space them out a bit. It might be tricky to add supports to such a large, dense section of peonies. But, they could try using post stakes (like these), and put 3 or 4 around seperate sections of the plants. Then use twine or flexible stretchy ties to wrap around the whole section, having multiple sections throughout the bed of peonies.
Natalie says
Chicken wire fencing with 5 ft bamboo stakes woven through every couple feet or so would also work–it would be better to divide, but if you like the wall of peonies (I do), this method works pretty well. You’ll need help to put it in though.
Sherri says
My peony’s are already tall with lots of buds. I didn’t stake! My first year, beginners lack of knowledge. How can I stake or tie up now?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You can use post stakes (like these), and put 3 or 4 around each plant. Then use twine or flexible stretchy ties to wrap around the whole plant, and tie it to each plant stake. So, basically you’re making a circle around the plant, and the twine/plant ties are what will hold up the flowers so they won’t flop to the ground.
Melissa says
My mom is giving me all of her peony plants- I’m excited to plant them at my home BUT it’s late May in Michigan! I know the best time to transplant them is in the fall but the plants have to be moved now. How do I go about this without hurting the plant or future blooms?
Thanks!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
If they’ve already started to bloom, I would recommend waiting until after they’re done blooming before you transplant them. But, if you can’t wait, they’ll be fine. They’re pretty hardy. Before you transplant them, cut off the largest blooms and bring them inside in a vase of water to see if they will still flower for you.
Deborah S Lambert says
Andy,
I live in Kentucky. When I was moving in January someone said it would be possible to dig up the bulbs and put them in the freezer until I was relocated. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented me from being able to do so and I lost my grandmother’s peony. For future reference, do you think putting the bulbs in the freezer for a few weeks would be a plausable answer in this type of situation?.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I’ve never heard of doing that, and haven’t tried it myself. Here in MN, we would never be able to dig peonies up in January because the ground is frozen solid. LOL! Anyway, for future, I would pot them up in the fall, and then overwinter them in a cold garage rather than put them into the freezer personally.
Hortencia Padilla says
One of my peony plants folage at a certain hight it starts to turn brown, any tips what it could be
Amy Andrychowicz says
Are the brown leaves dried out and burnt looking? Or do you think it could be caused by powdery mildew?
Hortencia Padilla says
Dried out crispy
Amy Andrychowicz says
It sounds like it could be peony wilt. Remove the infected leaves as soon as you can. Then be sure to always clean up the foliage (cut it down to the ground) in the fall to help prevent the fungus from overwintering on the foliage. Don’t put the diseased leaved in your compost bin. Either burn them or toss them into the trash.
Hortencia Padilla says
Should the eyes to the plant be how deep in the dirt, and how much water do they like
Amy Andrychowicz says
They should be planted shallow, only about an inch or two under the dirt. Peonies have average watering needs, just never soggy soil.
Holly says
I have always had a major problem with my peonies drooping. I have a peony support but the bush is much wider than the support. I guess I could buy a second one or maybe divide the plant. However, even for the ones it is supposed to support, it does not appear to do the job for the height of mine. My peonies grow over three feet high and just droop over the top of the support. Next year I will try the tomato cage or possibly try what I saw on a mini vacation. In a Rose Garden in Nay Aug Park, their peonies looked great. None were drooping to the ground. They had curved top green wire fencing placed around the bush which seemed to hold them in a nice display. I am not sure if their flowers were as tall as mine but it certainly made them look so nice, not messy like mine.
The other question I have is whether the peony bush can be pruned early in Spring to keep them from growing so tall. I have Montauk Daisy bushes that had the flowers drooping the first few years. I asked a local Botanical Garden person and was told I should trim the bush to half it’s size before the Fourth of July and the flowers will bloom to a manageabke height in September. It worked beautifully. I just came in from doing that. My next door neighbor never did that and the daisies would grow so leggy, they drooped over to my lawn. She tied them but that did not help. They also drooped as a bunch. So, is there any early Spring pruning trick for peonies or would that just remove all the buds?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, it definitely sounds like you need a taller support for them. I have a few peony bushes that are really tall too, and I use tall stakes and wrap twine all the way around the bush to hold the flower stems up.
No, if you trim them they won’t bloom. Some peony varieties are just taller than others. But now you have me wondering what type of peony you have. Are you talking about peony bushes, or do you have a peony tree of some sort? The reason I’m asking is because peony bushes die down to the ground every year, and they flower shortly after the leaves unfurl in the spring. So, spring pruning would definitely keep the bush from flowering.
Holly says
Hi Amy,
They are definitely bushes. I cut them straight down to the ground right after Halloween every year. I would need dozens of stakes to support them separately with twine. I must have close to three dozen flowers, maybe more. While I love how pretty the flowers are, they look so sad and messy once they droop over the top of the support ring. A local botanical garden has a peony tree. I love the way that looks.
Another websight mentioned de budding the central bud on each stem early in Spring when it is the size of a marble, leaving the smaller buds to bloom. They said it would lighten the load for the stem. I think mine would still droop. I will try again next year with different methods and let you know how I make out.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Maybe it’s time to divide them to make them more manageable? That’s another option to think about.
Jackie says
How do I start a bear root with at least three eyes? Will I need to stratify it for how long in soil? I live in Texas…how many days in refrigerator should I keep it before I plant into ground in Fall?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Humm, I’m not sure. Are you planning to dig them up and stratify them every year? It’s tough to grow peonies in warmer climates, since they need a period of cold dormancy in order to bloom. I would recommend you ask someone at your local garden center, since they are more familiar with your climate. Sorry I can’t help you out with this one. 🙁
Debi says
I have also got a peony that has plenty of foliage but no flowers……it has not flowered for the past 3 years, i will have to find a sunny spot in the garden for it but I’m not sure about planting it, i recently brought another peony and have planted it although the planting instruction said to plant it 2.5cm in the ground which i have done but to be honest it doesn’t look too good, have you any advise on what i should do, does it need to be deeper in the ground?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If peonies are planted too deep, they won’t bloom. And yes, they do need full sun in order to bloom their best too. So, I would definitely move the ones you have to a full sun location. As for the new one, 2.5cm sounds like a good depth. They usually say to plant them just under the surface of the soil, and less than 2 inches deep.
charlene crawford says
how do i divide my peonies? someone said fall but i do not know how to divide them or exatly when,, also one of my peonies got mildew so i sprayed it will it come back? should cut it down and hope for the best or?? thank you
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, fall is the best time to divide and transplant peonies. Wait until the heat of summer is over before transplanting them. Just be sure to plant the divisions at the same depth as they were growing in their original spot, and they will be good to go. Your transplanted peony plants may not flower for the first year, and it may take a few years before they bloom in their full glory.
Are you saying your peonies died after you sprayed them? If so, that is concerning and I’m not sure if they will come back. It depends on what you sprayed on them.
Shailja says
Hi, I have a question. I love my peonies and like to cut them and bring inside. But every summer when I cut them I notice earwigs inside the bud.what can I do to prevent earwigs..I can’t enjoy my flowers Pl help…
Amy Andrychowicz says
I have the same problem with ants on my peonies! 🙂 I shake the flowers or gently tap them on the ground before bringing them inside to get the bugs off. That usually works just fine.
Ena Parcher says
When I lived on my farm, I used to stack 2 or 3 old auto tires over the peony plants. That gave them full support. The overhanging leaves hid the tires. Or, I used dark paint to make them
less obvious.
Angela Westfall says
The squirrels keep digging and eating my bulbs. How can I stop this from happening?
Amy Andrychowicz says
The squirrels are eating your peonies? I’ve never heard of that before, crazy squirrels. I would try putting a some chicken wire over the ground, or using a deterrent spray.
Vicki Bolduc says
I have a lot of peonies in my garden and wondered if there is a way to slow down or delay their blooming? – having a big garden party in late June (UK)and I’d love them to be all out then. Some years we have peonies flowering that late, other years they are done by begining of June.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I don’t know how you could slow it down yourself, but maybe you’ll get lucky and have a late spring that will naturally delay the bloom time of your peonies this year. Fingers crossed.
Jay says
I finally got my hands on peony bulbs this year and planted them in the ground. I will definitely stake them after this crazy weather is over.
Will they flower this year? I planted peonies one year in my other garden but didn’t see any blooms until year 3.
Amy Andrychowicz says
If you just planted your new peony bulbs this spring, then they probably won’t bloom until next year at the earliest.
Nancy HOWRD says
my peony leaves get dark black spots after they bloom what is the problem and what can I do for them?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It sounds like your peony may have peony leaf spot disease, or some other fungal disease. Take a leaf and put it into a plastic baggie and bring it to a local garden center (not a big box store, an actual nursery). They should be able to identify the exact problem for you. Many times fungal diseases can be treated by simply pruning the plants to allow for better air circulation around the leaves. Also, be sure to clean up the foliage in the fall and destroy it to so that the spores can’t overwinter on the plant.
mike says
I saw an idea for staking flowers that might work for larger area plantings. The staff had put stakes in around the perimeter of the group (which was several feet wide), and tied a string around the outside, as well as randomly across the bed. This formed a sort of ring, and a grid. Good luck all.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
Martha hill says
Do they ever need fertilizer, I’ve never had Peonies before?
Martha
Amy Andrychowicz says
I never fertilize my peonies, and they grow great! If you do end up fertilizing them, I recommend using a natural fertilizer, like compost tea or fish emulsion.
Martha hill says
I really enjoyed your tips on the. Peonies, as this is my first time to have them,
Marybeth says
Hello! After my peonies bloom and the petals fall to the ground, you’re left with a bud of some sort. Do you know if this can be cut off? Or is it best to leave this bud to dry out?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If you’re talking about additional flower buds, then you can leave those on the plant and they will bloom. Just remove the flower that’s done blooming. Otherwise, once they’re all done, you can deadhead your peonies after the flower petals fall off. That will help the plant generate more energy through the summer to use for next years blooms, and also keep your peony looking nice. 🙂
Linda Bockoven says
My husband has a green fencing sort of thing. It has rectangle openings and is not wire. I think it is called Green Plastic Garden Mesh Fencing. He lays a piece over the peonies before the flowers. Ours are beautiful and standing nicely. Just lays it on top and the plant grows through it. Wish I could tell you more but I am not the gardener.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wow, great idea! I bet that the plants would hide the green fencing once they grow too, so that’s nice. Thanks for adding your tip for how your husband supports your peonies! 🙂
Vanessa says
These are great ideas! It is always sad when the peonies fall over and get ruined.
Claudette says
My red peonies bloomed white last year. What can I do to make them bloom red again?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I’ve heard of peony flowers changing color, but it’s not very common. I don’t know the cause of it. If it’s an established plant, then it might be that you have some kind of a hybrid that’s turning back to it’s original color. If you just transplanted it, it could be the plants got mixed up or something. Whatever is causing it, there’s nothing you can do to change it back.
vivian gerard says
SOMETIMES PEONYS TAKE 3YEARS TO DO ANYTHING IST THEY SLEEP THEN CREEP AND THEN 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.
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
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