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.
Diana says
My peonies are very large, and right against the exterior wall of the house. They are magnificent, but staking them is a challenge. I can’t use a cage because they are so large (and because they are against the wall), so I use stakes and ties. Crazy question, how do you keep the ties (I’ve used twine, wire, Velcro) from sliding down the stake as the weight gets excessive?
Amy Andrychowicz says
The stakes that I use for supporting my peonies are really great because they have holes and hooks/notches on them (you can see the ones I use in the pictures under the section called “How To Make Peony Plant Supports Step-By-Step”). So, you can either run the twine/wire thorough the holes, or hook the ties onto the notches to keep them in place. I’m not sure what types of stakes you’re using, but most garden stakes have either notches or holes in them just for this reason. You could also tie or wrap them around each stake as you go to give them even extra support so they won’t slide down.
Diana says
That’s brilliant. I have been using wooden stakes, but I am definitely looking for metal for next spring. Thanks!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
Jezel says
Put rubber bands on the stakes and then use the twine. Tge rubber band gives it a notch and keeps the string from slipping down.
I use the transparent rubber bands that you get to put in your hair. Very inexpensive and gives you adequate comtrol
Beth anne says
I found an opened metal clothing hangers to be a handy
Way to support my peonies
I’ve used by a fence where I lift it up from ground where they are laying and attach
To fence once they put on some growth.
And I place a strong stake where I do not have fence , and lift and hook around stake .
Sometimes a I spray paint hangers and stakes
So they don’t pop out in the harden
Amy Andrychowicz says
Nice! Thanks for sharing how you make your DIY peony supports.
Shelley says
I would love to see a photo of this….
Sharon says
Me, too, please!🤗
Tina Hottle says
I planted a peony someone had given me and it did not bloom year after year. I transplanted to a new location and it is doing great. I think the first location was to wet for it.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Could have been too wet, or maybe it wasn’t getting enough sun. They also won’t bloom if they are planted too deep.
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.
vivian gerard says
SOMETIMES PEONYS TAKE 3YEARS TO DO ANYTHING IST THEY SLEEP THEN CREEP AND THEN LEAP
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.
Vanessa says
These are great ideas! It is always sad when the peonies fall over and get ruined.
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! 🙂