In Oregon, Are Peony Growable?

Peonies are a long-lived, low-maintenance, deer-resistant flowering perennial that thrive in the Northwest climate. They come in various colors and forms, including herbaceous, Itoh, and tree. The best time to plant peonies in Oregon is typically in early spring, as the soil warms up and daylight hours increase. The ideal time to plant peonies in Oregon is in late September and October, as the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter.

However, successful peony planting requires careful planning and consideration, especially when it comes to when to plant them. The peonies season in Oregon depends on winter and especially spring weather, with late frosts and snow causing peonies to bloom later. Adelman Peony Gardens open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, late April through mid-June, with peak peony season occurring in late May.

Peonies prefer full sun, but can take some shade. There’s no need to fertilize when planting, but use a tomato or iris fertilizer. They require well-draining soil, which most of Central Oregon can provide. Peonies can be planted into December in many areas of California, Oregon, Washington, and the South.

Peonies need at least 4 hours of direct sun to bloom, and they prefer well-drained, richly amended soil. To ensure successful peony planting, dig a hole 12″ deep and 2′ wide and mix the soil from the hole. Adelman Peony Gardens is open each spring for the peony bloom season and is open by appointment only in summer, fall, and winter.

Why are peonies difficult to grow?

Peonies may not bloom for various reasons, including short-term factors like powdery mildew, improper planting, over-fertilization, or insufficient sunlight. If planted recently, the lack of bloom isn’t a significant concern. However, if planted in the past few years, Botrytis Blight, also known as gray mold, is another common issue. This fungal disease, which occurs during wet growing seasons, can cause stalks to rot and buds to fall off. Initially, the disease appears like blackspot, with reddish brown spots on the leaves and brown and crusty buds.

To prevent Botrytis Blight, clean up the foliage in the fall, dispose of it, encourage drainage and air circulation, and plant peonies in sunny conditions. Avoid composting diseased foliage to prevent further spread. Overall, it’s essential to address these issues to ensure the health and longevity of your peony.

How to grow peonies in Oregon?

Peonies thrive in sunny, well-drained areas, so soil preparation is crucial. Dig a hole 12″ deep and 2′ wide, mix it with organic soil amendment, and plant slightly above ground level. Plant in full sun, sheltered from wind, and use low-fertilizer like rose fertilizer or bone meal when emerging. Allow 3 years for maximum flower size and true color, and deadhead spent flowers with a low nitrogen fertilizer.

Do peonies grow in the Pacific Northwest?

Peonies have similar requirements for cultivation and maintenance, although there are some minor discrepancies. In most zones, peonies flourish in full sun. However, in the Pacific Northwest, they should be planted in full sun and in soil with good drainage. It may be necessary to make adjustments to this in the context of Arizona.

Where is the best place to plant peonies in your yard?

Peonies thrive in full sun, with some afternoon shade for those in zone 8. They prefer fertile, rich, well-drained soil with plenty of nutrients. If poor soil exists, consider growing them in a raised bed for maximum drainage. Space peonies 3-4 feet apart for good air circulation. The Abalone Pearl peony is a stunning semi-double variety with pink-peach petals and orange anthers. To plant peonies, plant them in the fall when they are dormant, 4-6 weeks before a deep freeze.

Where should you not plant peonies?

Peonies require a lot of sunlight to thrive, with some varieties tolerant of partial shade. Plant them in a location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, with afternoon shade suitable for Lower South plants. Avoid planting under tall trees or soggy soil, and ensure the soil is not soggy. Grow peonies in raised beds in poor soil. In winter, they need cold weather to initiate dormancy and produce flowers in spring. Add mulch to cover younger roots, and keep containers in cool indoor spaces like garages to prevent freezing.

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 grow in Oregon?

Oregon’s peony season is influenced by winter and spring weather, with peak blooming occurring in late May. Adelman Peony Gardens, one of the leading Oregon peony growers, offers daily tours from 9 am to 6 pm from late April to mid-June. The gardens grow around 500 varieties of peonies, with some being early or late-blooming. Visitors can observe various flower types, including spent, full bloom, and bud rows. The visit is free, except for transportation costs. The fields may be muddy on wet days and after rain, so wear boots. The garden can get hot in nice weather, so bring sunscreen and water.

When to plant peony bulbs in Portland, Oregon?

Plant bare root peonies in the fall, with September through November being prime planting time in most U. S. areas. In some areas, peonies can be planted into December if the ground is not frozen. Planting peonies in the summer, fall, and winter is recommended, as the growth of those planted in January and February generally has less growth the first year. Frost is not a factor, as the air temperature may be “frozen”, but the soil may not.

Peonies from containers or pots can be transplanted into the ground in the fall or spring, and watering is essential. First and often second-year peonies should be kept slightly moist from late spring to fall rains, allowing them to dry out between waterings.

Do peonies like sun or shade?

Peonies require 6-8 hours of sun daily, with some protection from hot afternoon sun in zones 8-9. They thrive in slightly moist, well-drained soil. There are four main types of peonies: woodland peonies, tree peonies, herbaceous peonies, and intersectional peonies. These beautiful perennials bloom around Memorial Day, with some blooms growing up to 9 inches. Peonies are deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them suitable for gardeners who struggle with animals munching on their plants. Growing peonies is easy, as they can bloom away in old cemeteries or abandoned farmsteads, having received little care for many years.

What is the downside of peonies?

Peonies, despite their resilience, can suffer from various diseases, including fungal infections, root rot, and viral diseases. Abiotic problems, caused by non-living factors like environmental stress, cultural mismanagement, or physical damage, are more prevalent in peonies. To prevent and treat these issues, it is crucial to test soil pH and adjust as needed, as peonies prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Regular monitoring, proper cultural practices, and an optimal growing environment are essential.

How many years does it take for a peony to flower?

Peonies may not fully bloom for 2-5 years, with doubles often blooming single for the first few years. In bad weather seasons, mature doubles may also appear single. After preparing soils and selecting varieties, it’s crucial to ensure the best peony blooms and production for the cut flower market. Root suppliers typically provide the actual variety, but there’s a risk of getting a ‘rogue’ root or root that isn’t true to the variety. Varieties with years of experience and different growing conditions, including insects, can lead to subtle differences in blooms.

For example, Sarah Bernhardt, bred in 1906, has subtle differences from multiple root growers. The latest plants have a lot of blush, which sells for more than straight Sarah Bernhardt, but it’s difficult to separate them during harvesting as they are mixed with regular Sarah’s along the rows.