Maegan-Leigh JacobsFew flowers bring as much romance to a garden as peonies.
Their lush petals, delicate fragrance and soft colours make them a favourite in borders and cutting gardens alike. But before planting one, it’s helpful to understand how these plants grow and whether they’ll return year after year.
If you’re hoping for a long-lasting garden favourite, the good news is that peonies are known for their staying power.
Read more: How to divide peonies
Are peonies perennial plants?
Yes, peonies are perennials. Once planted in the right conditions, they settle into the garden and come back each year with fresh growth and blooms.
There are three main types commonly grown:
Herbaceous peonies – These die back to the soil at the end of the growing season and sprout again in spring.
Tree peonies – Woody shrubs that keep their structure above ground throughout the year.
Itoh peonies – A hybrid between herbaceous and tree peonies. They disappear in winter but produce sturdy stems and large flowers when they regrow.
With patience and the right care, a healthy plant can remain in the same spot for decades, producing blooms each season.
When do peonies flower?
Peonies need time to settle in. Newly planted ones often take two to three years before they begin flowering properly, as the plant focuses on developing strong roots first.
Once established, flowering times depend on the type you grow. In warmer climates such as parts of South Africa, blooms usually appear during spring to early summer. Planting a mix of varieties can extend the flowering window so the garden enjoys colour for several weeks.
Individual blossoms don’t last long, but the plant itself is remarkably long-lived. Some peonies continue blooming reliably for many decades.
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Why your peonies might not be blooming
Sometimes a plant grows plenty of leaves but produces few flowers. A few common issues could be responsible.
Too little sunlight: Peonies need plenty of light to flower well. A position with at least six hours of sunshine daily usually produces the best results.
Planting depth is incorrect: Peony roots should sit just below the surface. If planted too deeply, they often struggle to produce blooms.
Poor drainage: These plants dislike wet feet. Soil that stays soggy can lead to root problems and weak growth.
Overcrowding: If other plants compete for space, light and nutrients, flowering may decrease. Giving peonies enough room helps them perform better.
Nutrient imbalance: Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth rather than flowers. Balanced soil enriched with compost generally works best.
Recent transplanting: Peonies prefer staying in one place. If divided or moved, they may skip a flowering season while they settle again.
Caring for peonies after flowering
Once the flowers fade, a little maintenance helps the plant prepare for the following season.
Remove spent blooms: Snipping off faded flowers keeps the plant tidy and encourages energy to move back into the roots.
Leave the leaves: The foliage continues collecting energy through the growing season, so avoid cutting it back too early.
Cut back in late autumn: For herbaceous and Itoh varieties, trim stems down once the foliage has died back naturally.
Mulch lightly in winter: A thin layer of mulch protects the roots during colder months without burying the crown.
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A long-lasting garden classic
Peonies reward patience. While they may take a little time to settle after planting, these perennials become more impressive with each passing year. Given sunshine, well-drained soil and space to grow, they can remain a reliable feature in the garden for decades.
For gardeners who appreciate timeless beauty and fragrant blooms, peonies are well worth the wait.
ALSO SEE: ARE ANTS ON PEONIES A PROBLEM
