The blooms that spark envy

Peonies are in full bloom, and it's now that many folks who don't grow them wish they did, while others wonder why theirs aren't flowering like the neighbor's.

Paeonia hybrid is the official name for the bush-style peonies common in our area. The colors range from the purest white to dark, rich reds and all the hues in between. Their blooms can be single- or double-flowered, the latter reminding me of the tissue flowers we all used to make our moms back when.

When choosing, check out their bloom time. Peonies are like tomatoes and tulips: Some bloom early, some mid-season and others late. By mixing the bloom periods you can extend their show from mid-May through June.

Peonies are long-lived; 50 to 60 years is not an uncommon life expectancy. In addition, their tuberous roots can be divided and passed down through generations allowing them to garner the term "heirloom plants."

They bloom from mid-May through June; since they bloom prior to July 4, they should be divided in the fall. As for planting, fall is also best; however many nurseries offer them for sale in the spring. The drawback to planting in the spring is they tend to suffer a bit of a setback for a year or two, as they prefer the cooler soil temperatures of fall for root development.

Peonies can be purchased as either plants or as tubers. Regardless of how you buy them, here is the trick to planting them: If you look at the topside of the tubers you will notice red "eyes" or bumps. These "eyes" are where the shoots emerge from come spring. To properly plant a peony, these "eyes" must be planted no deeper than 1 to 2 inches or they will not flower.

If you are ogling your neighbor's spectacular peony blossoms and crying over the lack of your own, the first place to start is to check the planting depth. Keep in mind, a layer of mulch counts, so if applying mulch, do so very thinly.

Peonies are definitely not shy when it comes to demanding full sun and a rich, well-drained soil that is moisture-retentive. They are very heavy feeders and a rich organic soil that will provide a season-long natural nutrient source is highly recommended. You may top dress the crown area come fall with bone meal and gently scuff into the soil; then, in early spring, apply a complete granular fertilizer such as 5-10-5.

For a pH, peonies require a 6.5 to near neutral and will reward you handsomely with stately, shrub-like plants that can easily max out at 36 inches in both height and width. Even after their bloom, the plant that remains is stunning. By the end of August, its leaves will begin to turn their autumn hue of burgundy. In late fall, cut the stems right to the ground and remove all leaves and stems from the garden to discourage disease from overwintering.

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