Peonies are a classic crowd pleaser, and most of them are blooming right now – but in case you missed the planting boat, I thought I’d take a look at this week’s burning question: Can you plant peonies in May?
Well, the Best time to plant peonies Depends on the type and how mature the plant is. You can buy peony plants in bud and bloom now – and if you hurry, you can enjoy them before the flowers are over.
To find out what kind of peonies you can plant in May, I consulted the experts.
(Image credit: Getty Images / Tom Meeker)
So, can you plant peonies in May? Technically, yes – but only if you choose mature container plants, ie Paeonia lactiflora ‘Command Performance’ from Gardening ExpressThat buds and blooms.
If you start from scratch with bare root peonies, they won’t flower this year.
‘May is too late to plant bare root peonies as they need time to develop their roots before they start producing foliage,’ explains gardening and greenhouse expert Lucy Bradley. Easy Garden Irrigation. ‘If you plant them in May, the warm soil will stimulate them to germinate and start producing foliage, before their root systems are developed enough to support growth.’
That doesn’t mean you can’t learn How to grow peonies in MayHowever. In fact, buying container-grown peonies means you’ll see blooms right away, rather than waiting a few years for open-rooted peonies to mature and flower reliably.
(Image credit: Getty Images / Bignazic)
‘If you want to introduce peonies into your garden in May, the best way to do this is to buy potted or container grown peonies as they have already developed their root systems,’ says Lucy.
You will also need to learn How to move established plants safely To minimize root disturbance.
‘You’ll usually find mature potted peonies sold in pots 30 to 40cm in diameter or larger,’ adds Lucy. ‘Look for either patio peonies or intersectional peonies, as these are more likely to bloom the same year they are planted. I would recommend ‘Hilary’, an interbred ‘Itoh’ peony that produces enormous semi-double to double blooms that reach 20 cm. measures up to.’
You can order Peony ‘Hilary’ in a 3.6-litre pot from Thompson & Morgan. Lucy says it opens with vibrant raspberry petals, which soften into apricot with age.
Where to buy peonies in bud and bloom
Paeonia Coral Sunset – Peony – in Bud & Bloom
Beautiful sunsets to bloom!
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Command Performance’
A popular bright red variety.
Paeonia Itoh ‘Enduring Rainbow’
If you act fast, you can still plant peonies in time for this year’s blooms!
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