What To Do With Peonies In May For Spectacular Blooms And Sturdy Plants
Experts advise what to do this month to ensure your peonies are strong and sturdy, with longer-lasting blooms that return each year
With their big, ruffled blooms, peonies are a much-loved sight for many of us in May. As the spring bulbs and blossoms fade, these frilly flowers are an exciting arrival.
The fact that their blooming season is so short makes these "Queens of the Garden" even more special. Although it's worth planting various varieties, if you would like to enjoy their bloom time for longer.
1. Water Only If Necessary
When and how much to water your peonies obviously depends on the amount of rainfall you have had in your garden. Mother nature may have taken care of this, but if you've had a dry spell, do check the soil.
'There is usually no need to water in May here in the Pacific North West,' says Oregon-based Therese Sprauer, from Brooks Gardens Peony Farm. 'Spring rain generally keeps our peonies watered until after bloom season.
'Although, do give them a drink of water if you are having a dry spell in the weeks prior to bloom.'
This 2-gallon retro steel watering can from Ace Hardware will see you through the summer watering schedule and beyond.
Therese Sprauer has grown peonies for over 25 years. She is the co-founder of Brooks Gardens, a family farm based in Oregon. The farm offers newer American hybrid peonies alongside old-fashioned heirloom varieties that have thrilled gardeners for decades. Each year, Therese and the team add new varieties of peonies to grow and propagate for garden flower beds and landscapes.
2. Add Support If Required
It can vary, but generally, May is when we can expect to see the big, beautiful blooms as herbaceous peonies come into their full glory. These huge flowers, which can range from blush pink to deep crimson, and even corals and yellows, are why we love peonies.
However, these big flowerheads can mean the plants are at risk of becoming top-heavy, so check whether your peonies have adequate support before they start to flower.
'Many peonies come in sturdy/no stake varieties; however, there are some old-fashioned heavy flowers that benefit from staking,' says Therese. 'If you have the latter type, you can either place them in peony cages early in the growing season, or tie one ribbon or string around the bush when it is about 1 ½ feet off the ground.
'As it grows taller, add a second ribbon or string about 2 ½ feet off the ground. This can keep them upright and tidy.'
Charlie Nardozzi, author of Month-by-Month Gardening New England, recommends placing cages around peonies this month if they are likely to flop.
'Use grow-through rings that allow the stems and leaves to grow through the cage, hiding the ring with the foliage and flowers,' says Charlie. 'Another option is to make a chicken-wire cage and wrap it around the plant. Place these cages around plants now, before they get too big.'
Placing a peony cage, like this one from Ace Hardware, around plants can prevent the flower heads from flopping. These individual plant stakes from Lowe's can be used, too.
Charlie Nardozzi is a respected voice in the gardening world and the author of Month-by-Month Gardening New England (and other gardening books). He has worked for more than 30 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and print.
3. Fertilize - If You Haven't Already
If you're a seasoned gardener, you may have already checked your soil and fertilized your peonies - if it was required. If so, there is no need to do it again (too much fertilizer can be damaging). However, if you didn't, there is still time to test the soil and apply fertilizer to your peonies if they need it, particularly those growing in cooler zones.
'We recommend fertilizing with a low nitrogen fertilizer earlier in the growing season, around March to April, after they sprout early to mid-spring,' says Therese. 'However, if you missed this, it can still be done in May.'
This 2-in-1 soil meter from Lowe's measures the moisture and pH levels, so you can better gauge whether your plants require fertilizer and what the necessary adjustments are.
This Espoma plant food from Ace Hardware is low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium to promote blooms. Although check your local by-laws as phosphorus-based fertilizers are restricted in some regions to prevent toxic algae blooms in local waterways.
4. Disbud For Bigger Blooms
Plants put all their energy into the buds so that they can bloom. In some instances, a proliferation of buds can result in plentiful but smaller flowers. If you prefer bigger blooms, Therese recommends removing some of the tiny buds.
'Before they are ready to bloom, you may disbud the small lateral buds that develop under the main terminal bud at the top of each stem,' says Therese. 'This can enhance the size of your flower – but do it when they are tiny and pea-sized.
'Alternatively, you may leave those side buds to extend your bloom season, as they will open after the main bud and be smaller versions of the main flowers. Early varieties start blooming by early May, and depending upon how many varieties one has, the season can stretch into mid-June.'
These tiny buds can be removed by hand, but if you prefer, you could use these floral precision scissors from Lowe's for cleaner cuts.
5. Check for Blight
If spring is cool and damp where you are – and your peonies are packed a little too tightly together – this can potentially spell trouble, in the form of botrytis blight. However, it is easy to remedy, according to Charlie Nardozzi.
'The fungus attacks developing flower buds and causes them to shrivel and die before opening,' he explains. 'It thrives during periods of cool, cloudy, humid weather. To control botrytis blight, remove and discard infected flowers.'
Charlie also recommends spraying an organic fungicide on developing flower buds to prevent the disease.
'Make a note to clean up the foliage and old flowers in fall,' he adds. 'Space plants farther apart to encourage airflow. This will allow the leaves and buds to dry out more quickly, lessening the chance of infection.'
This organic fungicide from Lowe's can guard against and deal with botrytis blight and other types of mold, mildew, and fungi on plants.
6. Consider Next Year's Growth When Cutting
The main thing to do with peonies in May is to sit back and enjoy them in your garden.
However, they are beautiful as cut flowers too. If you do intend to snip a few to pop in a vase to brighten up your home, be mindful of future growth when you cut.
'When cutting peonies, leave a few whorls of leaves on each stem and leave a few uncut stems,' advises Therese. 'This and deadheading the spent flower heads after they bloom will promote adequate energy for the development of next year’s buds.'
What to Shop:
These sturdy plant support stakes are sold as a set of six and offer a simple, effective way to keep peonies upright and looking their best.
These pruning shears feature soft, ergonomically shaped grips for comfortable pruning. They can be used to deadhead peonies and cut flowers to display.
These three-legged plant cages have a ring-shaped lattice top to gently support peonies from flopping. You get eight 12 x 15.7-inch plant supports in a set.
Although their bloom time is short, compared to some other perennials, peonies are long-lived and pretty low-maintenance plants. They may take a few years to bloom, but once established, if you follow the advice outlined above, you should see these stunning show-stoppers on repeat each year.
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