Plants, Pitties, and Power Foods

I love my peonies. It brings a pop of color to any outdoor flowerbed and screams spring and summer!

Peonies are relatively low-maintenance but thrive best with some regular care and attention. Here’s a simple guide for outdoor peony care:

🌿 Planting & Location

• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours/day), though they tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogged areas.
• Spacing: Give each plant about 3–4 feet of space for good air circulation.

🌸 Seasonal Care

Spring

• Mulch with compost or well-rotted manure (but keep away from stems).
• Support tall varieties with hoops or cages as buds start to swell.
• Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Avoid overhead watering.

Summer (Bloom Time)

• Deadhead spent blooms to keep the plant tidy.
• Continue watering during dry spells.
• Watch for pests like ants (usually harmless) and fungal issues like botrytis.

Fall

• Cut back stems to about 2 inches above the soil after the first frost.
• Clean up debris to prevent overwintering pests/disease.
• Mulch lightly in colder zones for winter protection (remove in spring).

Winter

• Do nothing! Peonies need a cold dormancy period and thrive with winter chill.

🛠️ Pro Tips

• Don’t plant the eyes (buds) of bare-root peonies more than 1–2 inches below the surface—too deep = no blooms.
• Avoid transplanting often; they don’t like being disturbed.
• They take 2–3 years to really establish and bloom fully, but then they can thrive for decades.