The sweet scent of peonies

Flowers that have a special place in your memory will be treasured in your home garden

When I was growing up, the foundation planting along the south facing wall of our house included several old-fashioned peonies.

Lush, billowy blooms in rich shades of pink and deep rose bloomed in the late spring, just a few weeks before the summer solstice. When they bloomed, the bushes were loaded with flowers and mom would cut a generous bouquet and place them on the two-tiered table in the living room.

Many years later, one of the first plants I added to my young perennial border was a peony, followed by many more, as the garden expanded. They say flowers that have a special place in your memory will be treasured in your home garden, and I believe that is very true.

Peonies are the quintessential spring flowers. They not only make spectacular, long-lasting cut flowers, but they are also easy to grow. Peonies are easy to source, grow in most climates, and can live and bloom for more than 100 years when happily sited — it is one of a few treasured plants (like day lilies and lilacs) that were given as divisions to a bride to be planted at her new home when she married. These hardy plants, often seen in abandoned farm yards in rural Ontario, frequently outlive the gardener that planted them.

Peonies have been grown for thousands of years and are native to China. They were brought to England in the mid-1700s and were an instant success. The name peony

(Paeonia) is said to originate from the Greek Pauon, which means “to heal.” In Greek mythology, the peony is named after Paeon, a student of the Greek god of medicine and healing, Asclepius. The peony was once believed to have healing properties.

There are more than 30 species of peony and hundreds of varieties. The most common type of peony,

Paeonia lactiflora, can be purchased as potted plants in the spring or bare-root stock that is dug up and shipped (when it is dormant) in the late fall. Potted peonies can be planted any time, bare root divisions should be planted as soon as they arrive, so they can establish roots before winter sets in.

Peonies need full sun — at least six hours per day — to flower; they will survive in part-shade, but will flower sparsely, if at all. They are not fussy about soil, but they will not tolerate standing water — the site must be well drained and free of tree root competition. Planting depth is critical. If planted too deeply it won’t bloom. When planting a potted peony, plant it no deeper than it was planted in the container. Do not disturb the roots if possible. It may take two or three years for a new planting to flower abundantly, so be patient. Once happily sited, they can grow undisturbed for many years.

When I was a novice gardener, the bed my peonies were growing in was expanded and top-dressed with triple mix soil. The following year, none of the peonies flowered. I later learned that peonies will stop flowering if they are planted too deep (or their roots are top-dressed with extra soil, after planting). The peony roots were dug up (luckily they were still young) and positioned correctly. They flowered the following year, and every year for the past 25 years.

Tree root competition and too much shade can also discourage blooms, and some of my longstanding peonies are now suffering from this problem. I am hoping to relocate some of the peonies this fall — it’s a big job, and I’ve been putting it off — the roots can be heavy to dig up.

To divide a mature peony, wait until the foliage has died back in the autumn. Loosen the soil with a pitchfork and lift the roots out. Gently wash the roots to remove any soil so that you can see the eyes (small red buds) that will be next year’s flowering stems. If necessary, divide the plant with a sharp knife, making sure at least three eyes are attached to each division. Replant immediately, just below the soil surface and water.

Double-flowered peonies are charming, but they will need some support to keep them upright once they start blooming. In a typical spring, it starts to rain just as the peonies start to open. If the flower heads are not properly supported, they will collapse in a heavy rain. Even when supported with peony rings, or a wire grid system, the water soaked flowers can weigh down the stems and break their “necks” as they collapse over the wire supports.

So far, this year’s unusual dry spell has encouraged my double peonies to stay upright. In a wet spring, I will cut the flower buds at the “marshmallow” stage before, or as, the rains arrive, and treat myself to several bouquets for the house or to share with friends.

While peonies collapsing in the rain can be a nuisance, the lush, frilly and often fragrant blooms are worth the effort. Varieties with lighter blooms, such as Bowl of Beauty, seem to be a little sturdier on the stem. Peonies can flower early, mid or late in the season. My collection of Festiva Maxima (white with red accents), Bowl of Beauty (pink with butter yellow fluffy centre), Sarah Barnhart (different shades of pale pink) and several unnamed varieties (in shades of pink and deep rose) all bloom together, but that’s OK with me.

I took a little sentimental journey as I cut the bouquet of peonies for this week’s column and arranged them in a vase. Their sweet, soap like scent still reminds me of home.