The biggest mistake people make with peonies is not supporting them. Because, almost as soon as the buds open, inevitably the heavy flowers will crash to the ground. It is a very common and frustrating problem.
Adding supports at the right time will keep your peonies from falling over. It’s easy to do, and worth it to help your gorgeous blooms last longer.
In this post I’m going to tell you how to prevent it from happening by adding supports. I’ll also tell you which types to use and when to add them. Then I’ll show you exactly how to stake them up, step by step.
Why Do My Peonies Fall Over?
Peonies fall over because the stems aren’t strong enough to support the huge blooms. They may be able to handle the weight for a few days while the buds are opening.
But once they’re fully open, they become too heavy for the stems. Add in a rain shower or two and… timber! The flowers quickly flop to the ground.
If you leave them on the ground, they’ll only last for a few days, and you won’t get to enjoy them in their full glory.
How To Keep Peonies From Falling Over
You need to support your peonies to prevent them from falling over. That way the blooms will last several days longer, and more of the flower buds will be able to open on the bush.
Just make sure that the type of support you use is the right size for your plant. Small ones can easily be contained with a grow-through cage. But a large peony bush will require something stronger and wider.
If the supports you use are too short, it’s not going to do much good. The flowers will simply collapse right over the top of them.
When To Add Peony Supports
The best time to add peony supports is either in very early spring before the stems get too tall, or in the fall after you cut down the plant.
I prefer to add mine in the fall so I don’t forget about it, and to prevent damaging the tender new growth in the spring.
Don’t worry if you do forget, you can stake your peonies at any time. Just be careful not to get too close to the plants when you pound the stakes into the ground.
How To Support Peonies
In this section, I’m going to tell you all about the best types of supports to use for your peony plants, and how to install them properly.
The Best Types Of Peony Supports
Peony supports come in many forms, and the type you use will depend on how large your plant is.
Ideally, the diameter of the support should be larger than the rootball so that it can hold up all of the stems. Also, if it’s too small, you could damage the roots when you install it. Here are the best options:
- Grid supports – A grow-through grid hoop can work for supporting small or young peony plants for the first few years. But once they become taller, wider, and more mature, these usually end up being too short for them.
- Cages – As your plant matures, you will need something bigger, like a plant cage. Or you can simply use standard tomato cages like these heavy duty ones or convenient foldable ones.
- Staking – Once your peonies get really large, they will need a much stronger support. Usually, at this point, staking is the best option.
How To Install Them
If you’re using wire cages, or another type of grow-through support, position them so that the plant is centered in the middle of the hoop. Then you can simply push the wire legs into the ground.
If the soil is too hard, try soaking it with water and letting it sit overnight to soften it. Otherwise you may need to dig small holes to install it.
As the stems begin to grow each spring (and they grow fast), help them by gently guiding them through the center of the support. Be very careful though, because if you bend them too much, they will break really easily.
If any of the stems are too long to bend back into the cage, you can tie them to it using twine, plastic stretch ribbon or select-a-size wire.
How To Stake Peonies Step-By-Step
If your peonies are too big for cage-type supports, then you can stake them instead. It’s easy, and you only need a few things to get the job done.
Supplies Needed
- Heavy duty stakes (the number of stakes you need depends on how large your plant is)
- Plant ties
- Hammer
Instructions
Step 1: Pound in the stakes – Position one of your plant stakes so it’s a few inches away from the rootball, then use your hammer to drive it into the ground.
Work your way around your peony plant, driving in one stake every 1-2 feet until you’ve made a circle around your peony.
Step 2: Position the plant tie – Tightly attach one end of your plant tie to any of the stakes. Be sure to position it so that it sits just below the base of the flowers to give them the best support.
String it to the next stake, wrapping it around the outside of your peony plant. Make sure it is very taught, then either wrap it around that stake, or tie it on to secure it.
Step 4: Make a full circle – Repeat step 2 to secure the plant tie to each of the stakes one by one until you have a full circle around the entire bush.
If your peony already has drooping flowers, then gently lift them up as you work your way from stake to stake.
There, now you’ve basically made your own DIY peony cage! Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect or you think it looks ugly.
When the plant fills in and is full of gorgeous, upright flowers, you won’t even notice it. Plus once it’s done blooming, you can simply remove the stakes.
Getting into the habit of supporting your peonies properly, and at the right time, will make it much easier to keep the flowers from falling over every spring. And you’ll be able to enjoy them for much longer.
More About Flower Gardening
Share your tips for supporting or staking peonies in the comments section below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bre says
Such great info! My poor peonies are always drooping. Thanks for sharing!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
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. 🙂
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. 🙁
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!
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.
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.
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.
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. 🙂
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.
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!
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! 🙂