How Deep Should Fern Leaf Peonies Be Planted?

Fernleaf peonies are a popular and award-winning peony hybrid that grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8. They require cold winters and require at least six hours of sun per day. The soil should be fertile and well-drained, and the plant typically grows to about 24 inches in height and 18 inches in width. The flowers feature single, cup-shaped dark crimson-red flowers adorned with a deep root formation.

To grow fernleaf peonies, water thoroughly once every 10 to 14 days during spring, summer, and fall to encourage deep root formation. Soak the soil surrounding the plants deeply at each application, but do not water during the winter months. Fernleaf peonies can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and should be planted in the fall.

Soil type is not a concern for this plant, but proper spacing and air circulation can prevent diseases. Planting depth should be 41 to 51 cm deep with a 36 cm diameter. When planting in flowerpots, cover with 2.5 to 4 cm of soil.

Plants should be planted 41 to 51 cm deep with a 36 cm diameter. When planting in flowerpots, the pot should be the same size and cover with 2.5 to 4 cm of soil.

When planting, set the thick fleshy roots below the soil with the buds (eyes) 1.5 to 2 inches below soil level. Plants barely stand 18 to 24 inches tall and require relatively dry soil during winter. Use raised beds, which are about 8 inches higher than the surrounding ground, to allow for fast growth.

Fernleaf peony roots should be planted approximately 4 feet apart and best in deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade.

Do peonies need to be planted deep?

When planting herbaceous and intersectional peonies, it is crucial not to plant them too deep in the soil, no more than 2. 5-5cm below the surface. Overplanting can result in beautiful foliage but not flowering. Peonies are easy to grow, known for their luxurious flowers in early to mid-summer, fragrances, and variety of colors. They are low-maintenance plants and rarely troubled by slugs, snails, rabbits, or deer.

There are thousands of varieties of peonies, flowering from mid-April to early July, and in a wide color range. The challenge lies in choosing the right peony for your garden, whether it be patio or intersectional peonies in containers.

Can you divide a fern leaf peony?

Paeonia tenufolia is a short, herbaceous peony with feathery foliage, suitable for borders or rockery. It is hardy to Zone 3, but does not propagate as easily as other peonies, making it more expensive. Divide a clump in September to allow roots to establish before winter and more in spring before summer heat. Cut tuberous roots into two or three pieces with at least three healthy “eyes” and plant divisions not too deeply to inhibit flowering.

Subscribe to read the latest news in your city and across Canada, access exclusive online articles, and support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Additionally, enjoy daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

Where is the best place to plant a fern peony?

Choose a sunny to lightly shaded spot with good air circulation and ample room for peony plants to grow. They thrive in heavier soils and away from tree and shrub roots. Plant peony roots carefully, ensuring they face up and are no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Shallow planting is best, and mark the spot with a stake or peony ring to protect it. Water deeply and maintain soil moisture until the ground freezes to help the plant develop feeder roots.

Apply a winter mulch to protect the delicate new roots, then mound the newly planted area with 2-4 inches of soil or 5-8 inches of a fluffy, non-matting mulch. Remove the mulch before top-growth begins and be careful not to injure new sprouts. Scratch balanced fertilizer into the soil around the plant as its leaves begin to unfurl. Water throughout spring and till after bloom-time, especially the first year.

How to plant fern leaf peony?

Fernleaf Peonies are ideal for Colorado gardens due to their cold winters and need for full sun, well-drained soil, and a hole that is no deeper than the root mass of the container but 2-3 times the circumference. If the soil is clay, add 5 compost to the native soil. The plant may have buds and flower in its first year, but typically does not return for 2 to 3 years. Despite their short-lived blooms, their foliage provides texture and green color in the landscape. Best of luck with your new gardening endeavors.

How deep to plant peony seeds?

To cultivate peony seeds, it is essential to maintain a soil moisture level that is neither excessively moist nor saturated. The seeds should be pressed into the surface of the area to a depth of no more than ½ inch, with a distance of 1 to 2 inches between them to conserve space in the controlled bed.

Are fern peonies hard to grow?

Fernleaf peonies are rare, easy-to-grow plants that thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. They require a well-drained location with at least six hours of sun daily and can be planted in early summer or fall. Plant the crown division with pink buds or “eyes” pointing up. Keep the soil moderately moist throughout the summer and do not cut back peony foliage until after the first fall frost. Fernleaf peonies are considered a symbol of remembrance and bloom around Mother’s Day, alongside other spring-flowering perennials, trees, and shrubs. They can be used as specimen plants or in the front of a garden border, and their light, airy foliage adds textural contrast to the garden after the flowers fade.

Do peonies have a deep root system?

Peonies thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slight alkaline pH. They develop a large root system and are difficult to move over time. They are drought-resistant once established and are ideal for perennial gardens with their dark green foliage. Peonies can be planted in rows for low hedges, defining one side of a garden, or bordering walks. They also look great at the base of split rail or chain link fences. However, planting them beside a solid fence restricts airflow and increases their vulnerability to foliar diseases.

Do peonies grow better in pots or ground?

Peonies thrive in a variety of soil types, including well-drained clay soil. To ensure optimal growth and bloom, it is essential to provide at least a half day of sun and good drainage. Some gardeners are planting peonies in large patio pots or raised beds, but it is crucial to ensure adequate drainage and watering more frequently than ground planted peonies.

To prepare the planting site, dig a hole about 15 x 15 inches and fill it with spaded soil. Place the peony root downward at any angle, with the ‘eyes’ facing upward. Plant the roots near the surface of the ground with just one inch to two inches of soil on top of the ‘eyes’. Avoid planting the peony roots too deeply, as this can result in foliage growth without flowers.

Newly planted bare root peonies will establish feeder roots when planted in the Fall, and winter freezing temperatures will not affect roots planted in the ground. Potted peonies require a large container with adequate drainage, and the eyes should be covered with only one inch to two inches of soil. Water the potted peonies thoroughly upon planting or transplanting, watering them every couple of weeks during dry weather. Once the fall/winter rains arrive, you may not need to water your peonies until you have dry weather in the spring/summer.

Once a peony plant is several years old, it is fairly drought tolerant, but they do appreciate a good watering every few weeks in hot summers. An established peony plant does not need frequent watering. Fertilize your peony plants early in the spring using a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage. If you are fertilizing potted peonies, use a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage.

Deadhead flower/seed pods after bloom and trim your peony stems to shape the bush as desired. If you want to let seed pods mature, leave them on the stems until they crack open in late summer. Plant the seeds in the ground or potting flats and keep moist until the fall rains come. Some seeds will germinate the following spring, while others will sprout the second spring.

Cut peony stems to ground level in the late fall and remove the stems and leaves from the garden for good sanitation. Do not compost peony leaves and stems. Mulching is not required in the Northwest, but some gardeners in very cold winter climates mulch for the winter, but be sure to remove the mulch in the spring to avoid planting too deeply.

Will peonies bloom after dividing?

Peonies are a type of perennial that rarely require dividing, but if you want to break a mature plant into smaller ones or move an existing one, it is best done in late summer or early fall. Peonies divided in the spring grow poorly, so it is best to wait four to six weeks before hard frost when the leaves begin to look ragged. Cut the roots into sections with at least three prominent eyes, set them in their new spot with the eyes facing up, and set them at a depth of no more than 2 inches below the surface.

This may take two years for the three-eye divisions to become large enough to bloom again. Dividing the plants into larger root pieces will produce bigger plants and flowers sooner. On the ease-of-dividing scale, other perennials fall between the resiliency of daylilies and the fussiness of peonies. However, almost anything can be divided at the end of the season, when the soil is well-warmed, moist, and the sun is less intense, allowing for new root growth.

How deep should the soil be for peonies?

To grow peonies, set the root with the eyes facing upward on firm soil, ensuring the eyes and crown are 2 inches below the soil surface. Plant early-blooming varieties about an inch deep and provide shade. The peony’s eyes should be no deeper than 1-½ to 2 inches below the soil line. Backfill the hole and water thoroughly.

Young peonies take time to develop, so use large, 3-5 eye divisions for ample root support. Peonies thrive on benign neglect and don’t need to be dug and divided every few years unless propagated. If soil is poor, apply fertilizer in early summer after the peonies have bloomed. Don’t fertilize more than every few years and have your soil tested annually.

Some peony stems may not support their large blossoms, so consider staking with twine or purchasing metal supports. If you don’t like the faded appearance of peony blossoms, “deadhead” them and remove the foliage to the ground in the fall to avoid overwintering disease. Mulch peonies loosely for the first winter after planting, and cut stems when the buds are firm.

How big do fern leaf peonies get?

Paeonia tenuifolia, also known as the fernleaf peony, is a shrubby, herbaceous perennial with a compact and clump-forming habit. It typically grows to 24 inches in height and 18 inches in width, forming a tidy mound. One of the earliest peonies to flower in spring, it offers ornamental beauty, low maintenance, and ecological benefits. This unique species is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, including regions in Russia and the Balkans. The plant dies back to the ground each winter and re-emerges in spring.