In Scottsdale, Are Peony Growable?

This article provides a comprehensive guide for growing peonies in the challenging climate of Arizona, discussing the best peony varieties to grow, ideal planting time, sun exposure needed, soil requirements, watering needs, fertilization, and more. The last month to plant peonies and expect a good harvest is probably September. Peonies are beloved by gardeners worldwide and can be grown in containers or in full sun.

When planting peonies, location and soil quality are key. Choose a spot that receives full sun, though light shade works well, especially in warmer zones. Ensure the soil is rich, moisture-retentive, and not in direct sunlight. Peonies will grow in most climates but need cold temperatures in winter, so they do not grow well in zones 9 and above.

ITOH peonies, such as Abalone Pearl, do grow in Scottsdale, but they do not thrive in hot climates. The best opportunity to establish peonies in Scottsdale is in the fall, regularly from late October to early November. Peony planting, peony cultivation, and growing peonies from specialized Scottsdale professionals are available to assist you in finishing your peony planting project. Herbaceous peonies do best in USDA Zones 2-8.

If you live in a warmer climate and would like to grow peonies, here are a few suggestions we’ve learned from our experience. We strive to connect you to local pros that can help you with your specific needs.

Can peonies survive in Southern California?

Two women, Kathleen and Katharine, who accepted the peony challenge, reported success with a series of peonies called Itoh Hybrids. Their findings highlight the local challenges of growing and blooming peonies in Southern California.

Do peonies do better in pots or in the 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.

Can peonies grow in Florida?

Moving to Florida, it’s difficult to grow peonies like in Connecticut due to Zone 8 being the warmest zone. To ensure success, check local varieties and ensure your plants are in the right zone. To prevent flowers from bending to the ground during rain, use grow-through support to keep top-heavy blooms upright. Place grids in early spring before the plants reach more than a few inches tall. Stay updated on new articles and advice by filling out the provided information.

Can peonies be grown in Arizona?

Mountain peonies are cold-hardy perennials that can grow in temperatures as low as -20 degrees and even in Arizona’s frigid north-facing gardens. They offer beautiful tropical flowers and better fragrance than other perennials. Plant peonies near entrances and patios to enjoy their fragrance. The Itoh peony, the most fragrant of all perennials, is placed near the house entrance. Although their blooming period is short, the foliage is attractive enough to warrant planting in a cozy corner near a doorstep. Double-flower peony plants are the most fragrant. To extend the blooming season, “stagger” your selection of varieties by selecting early, late, and in-between blooming varieties.

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.

Why won’t peonies grow in Florida?

Cold Florida winters may feel like returning to Long Island, but temperatures are not low enough for peonies to thrive. Peonies are beautiful flowers with softball-sized white, pink, or red blooms, but local gardeners cannot grow them in their landscapes. However, there are many attractive annuals and perennials that grow and bloom at the same time as peonies. Adding hibiscus to the landscape last year also lost their leaves after the freeze. It is unclear if peonies will return after some growth, but there are many attractive annuals and perennials that can thrive in Florida’s cold climate.

Can I grow peonies in the desert?

Three types of peonies bloom in late May-June on high deserts and can live 50-100 years in one spot. They are low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and resistant to most pests. They are not attractive to deer and can resist most other pests. Whistle Stop Farm and Flowers offers gift certificates, classes, events, and garden products tailored to the Central Oregon climate and experience. Contact them for more information and to learn more.

What state is best for peonies?

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates that the majority of peonies are cultivated in regions north of South Carolina and Texas. Some varieties are grown in areas with a more southerly latitude, but their flowering is infrequent due to the lack of winter temperatures that are conducive to the development of flower buds. The two most commonly cultivated varieties are garden (herbaceous) peonies and tree peonies, which are frequently observed in residential gardens.

Where is the best place to plant peonies?

Peonies are typically planted in early fall, with the best time being in early spring. They thrive in areas with at least six hours of full sun and well-draining soil. Peonies are sold as divisions with three to four eyes, and they should be free from rot and trimmed away. To plant, dig holes 12-18 inches deep and wide, space them 3-4 feet apart, add fertilizer, fill the hole half full, place the root division with the eyes facing upward, backfill the hole, and water well. This process ensures the plant’s growth and blooms.

Can peonies grow in direct sunlight?

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.

Will peonies grow in Florida?

Peonies are long-lived, perennial plants that produce large, showy flowers in early spring. They thrive in plant hardiness zones 3 to 7, and some can grow in zone 8. Most of the Florida Panhandle is zone 8b, which is the warmest zone peonies can grow. They prefer full sun and require a cool to cold winter. Peonies are great pollinators, and after a few years, they may reward you with flowers in the winter.