Will Colorado Peonies Grow?

Peonies are excellent cut flowers and low-maintenance perennials that thrive in Colorado’s arid climate. They are hardy plants that can live for decades, making them a low maintenance option for gardeners. The best time to plant peonies in Colorado is typically in early spring as the soil begins to warm up and daylight hours increase.

Peonies are a great cut flower and provide vibrant blooms to your yard. To ensure the best results, it is essential to prepare the soil, fertilize, and expect frost. With the right conditions and care, peony bush plants can thrive in nearly any garden setting. All types of peonies prefer rich, loamy, well-drained soil but will tolerate and bloom in a wide range of soil types.

Plan peonies about four feet apart to ensure they are planted about four feet apart. Blooms are prolific in late spring, most likely mid-May and June in Colorado. Leaves are generally lustrous and attractive through the growing season. To ensure the peony plants stay moist during the fall, ensure the soil around the divisions stays moist during the fall and establish a new root structure.

Peonies are drought-tolerant and can be long-lived plants in the Pikes Peak Region. There are many cultivars available at plant nurseries, and with proper soil preparation and planting depth, your peony will thrive for many years to come. In Pitkin County Colorado, peonies should do great in Basalt, especially since they were originally grown around Denver.

Can peonies stay outside in winter?

Peonies are known for their tolerance to cold, which is why southern growers plant their roots shallowly. They have no top growth and require no protection from winter’s chill. However, before the frosts end, peonies start to unfurl and grow. Despite being hardy to frost, even large plants with buds can freeze through. However, there is a stage in their development where they can be damaged easily, especially if the thermometer falls below freezing. The most susceptible stage occurs from a couple of inches tall until they reach 8 or 10 inches. This stage is when the plants are most susceptible to damage.

How many years does it take for peony to bloom?

It is possible for plants to be too young, and while the majority of peonies are typically not grown from seed, some avid gardeners have successfully attempted to do so. Plants cultivated from seeds typically require four to five years to reach maturity and produce flowers. The premature removal of foliage in July or August can result in the weakening of the plant, which may subsequently produce a reduced number of flowers. In the event that buds emerge but fail to open, other potential causes include overwatering, the presence of pests, or inadequate care.

What happens if you don’t cut back peonies?

If you don’t cut back peonies, their old foliage will become unsightly in winter and spring, but they should still flower the following year. Trimming them is crucial for protection against fungal disease. Knowing when to cut back peonies is essential for yard care. After deadheading, you can cut herbaceous peonies back in fall to boost new growth in spring. Trim prized peonies at the right time to avoid a reduction in blooms the following year.

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 well in Denver?

Peonies thrive in Colorado’s arid climate, but patience is required. A statewide horticulture agents meeting in Grand Junction, Colorado, involved over 20 hort nerds discussing plants, Extension, volunteer management, and other topics. The day was spent touring five wonderful places in the GrandValley, with Arcieri’s Peonies being the favorite stop. The West Slope peonies grow two or three weeks ahead of the Front Range, with peaches and roses in full bloom. The tour was organized by fellow CO-Hort Susan Carter.

How do you plant peonies in Colorado?

Peonies thrive in full sun, light shade, and rich, loamy, well-drained soil. They should be planted about four feet apart to accommodate their mature size. Herbaceous and Itoh peonies should be staked early in the growing season to avoid water retention. Fertilize in spring and mulch in winter for optimal growth. Peonies last for many years in the landscape, but for optimal flowering, place them in a permanent location. If a peony fails to bloom after three years, it is likely due to planting too deeply.

Young or recently divided plants may take time to establish before blooming. Excess nitrogen fertilizer can cause foliar growth instead of flowers. Ants are attracted to the nectar on flower buds, but they are not necessary for the flowers to open or an indication of a problem.

How do I winterize my peonies?

Peonies are cold-hardy plants that require chilly weather to enter their dormancy period and produce blooms in the spring. To protect them in winter, apply natural mulch over the plants after trimming the stems in fall, but remove it in early spring. Cut back the fading foliage with sterilized garden shears, discarding it and not composting it to avoid spreading fungal spores.

Peonies should be kept in pots protected from harsh winds and freeze/thaw cycles. Place them in a shed or garage if temperatures reach below 10 degrees F for extended periods. Keep the soil slightly moist and allow the container to dry out between waterings. If a mature Peony plant is not planted by the first frost, pot the bare roots up in the fall, ensuring each division has 3-5 eyes. Store the pots in a protected, cool location, and transplant them in early spring.

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.

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.

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.

How many years after planting peonies will they bloom?

It should be noted that peonies require a number of years to produce flowers. Furthermore, the planting of bare root peonies can take a period of two to three years. It is advisable to refrain from purchasing bare root peonies in the expectation of immediate gratification, given that they typically bloom a few weeks after planting. As an alternative, one may select from an array of peonies in a multitude of hues. This post contains affiliate links, which enable the author to receive a modest commission without any additional cost to the reader.