Nothing screams an old - fashioned bungalow garden like growing peonies in pots . Peonies come in gorgeous colour , brightening up your landscape painting .
While most multitude piece to get peonies in the dry land , deficiency of grow outer space should n’t limit you ; peonies produce well in containers as well .
Peonies grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 - 8 , so most of the United States can savour these gorgeous heyday in their garden .
Growing paeony in kitty does make them more vulnerable to frost and block temperature , so you will need a plaza to overwinter them within . Otherwise , the winter temperature will demolish them . Growing Peonies in Pots .
Peonies have specific necessity for proper development . Here are some key dot to remember when to grow peony in a container .
The great thing about growing peony plant in your garden is that they ’re a perennial , so they can last for decades .
A properly observe flora can grow for years and be divided into even more as they grow .
Let ’s take a looking at how you’re able to grow and maintain peony plant life in container . It ’s not as hard as you might cerebrate !
Growing Peonies in Pots: How to Get Started
Peonies are a gorgeous plant to add to your container garden , and spring up them in pots is n’t too heavy . Make certain that your realm is sufficient for peonies . They opt to grow in areas that have 500 - 1,000 chill hours per winter . That means the temperature need to be between35 - 45 ℉ .
So , if you examine to grow peonies in USDA zones 8 - 9 , they might not receive enough chill hour , causing the plants to refuse to flower .
Otherwise , if you raise paeony in pots , here are the steps that you postulate to know .
1. Find The Right Spot For The Container
It ’s skilful to site the container before you fill it . Peonies want large containers , so once they ’re filled , they wo n’t be easygoing to move .
2. Choose A Container
Peonies are a large plant life , and they need plenty of infinite to grow . The biggest mistake gardeners make is picking too diminished of a potful . Choose a container that is at least 18 inches cryptical and 18 inches wide or wider .
Chances are you will postulate to transfer it to a larger pot . They are a large bush that can contact 4 understructure marvellous , so the root system is significant . You ’ll need to watch over the growth and transfer if the plant seems root - bond .
The container needs to have plenty of drainage hole . If peonies sit in too much water , it can guide to tuber rot , which will break your plant .
3. Fill The Container With Proper Soil
Peonies are a turn finical about the grunge they grow in , so you postulate to pay close aid . The soil should be wanton and well - draining , but it require to be fertile and rich .
4. Plant Peonies In The Pot
Peonies are tubers , and you’re able to plant in leaping or fall fourth dimension . Some say that declension is good because it gives the plants time to prove before the ground freezes .
commemorate that paeony need chill hours to blossom , so they wo n’t get the tingle hours if you plant in the spring .
Caring for Peonies in Containers
Since peonies are perennial , most of the nidus needs to be on the plants ’ right fear . paeony can last for years , but only with the best care method acting ; plans can last for decades !
1. Keep Them Wet
The soil needs to be kept evenly moist but not soggy . It ’s well-heeled to stimulate root rot if you overwater paeony .
2. Fertilize Once A Year
Peonies are perennial , so fertilizing is a must - do item if you want their outgrowth to proceed . Typically , the best metre to bung is in the leaping before the major growing season start .
3. Overwinter Inside
fertilize temperatures and frost kill Tuber , so you involve to convey your peony inside to overwinter . This is an vantage that you have when grow peony in peck ; you’re able to just move them indoors and not worry about frost damage your industrial plant .
Dormancy might not voice like much fun , but peony need a 2 - 3 calendar month menstruum of respite .
4. Prune When Needed
Typically , paeony are considered low-pitched upkeep , but in the crepuscle or winter , you might need to prune your plants . Pruning is part of how you keep your plant in overall good health .
5. Divide Infrequently
Dividing need to be on your to - do list once every 5 - 10 years or so . This is not a task that you want to do oft , or you will damage your plant life .
Dividing will delay the next bloom time , but it ’s vital for your works ’s wellness and right growth .
The best way is to circularise and carve up the root ball . Then , you need to replant the split up pieces directly . They can not continue out of the priming coat for too long .
Pests & Diseases That Bug Peonies
The good news is that peonies are n’t bothered by too many pestis . The biggest problem peony plants have is various fungi that like to destroy plant unless you keep a close eye . Wet growing seasons are problematic .
Here are some unwashed problems you might face .
1. Botrytis Blight
This fungus develops during the wet mature season . You might notice black or brown temporary hookup on the leaves , as well as cankers on the stems . The stem might turn black . The flower bud can turn brown as well .
If your peony flora develop botrytis blight , you will require to get rid of the infected leave as soon as you find them . Deadheading is also good , and you should always scavenge up any plant debris in the fall .
2. Powdery Mildew
Here is another common disease that regard dozens of lants , include peony . It will underwrite your flora ’s leaves in a bloodless powdery coating .
In general , powdery mildew does n’t cause a vast problem for the plant ’s long - full term biography span , but it could cause growth delays . You should cut back the stirred parts of the plant in the drop and ruin those .
3. Peony Wilt
Here is another disease cause by a fungus . Peony wilt is often present in the ground , and it can infect the plant , make the plant life stems to droop . Your local wing part can screen the stems to define if they ’re infect by peony wilt or not .
If you do have peony wilt , you have to take the entire plant and destroy it . Do n’t use the same dirt ; it ’s best never to plant peonies in the same area . You will have to start over fresh next year .
Varieties of Peonies to Grow in Pots
In most cases , peonies are grown in the ground , so you need to pick a assortment that grows well in container . The best choices are single that by and large stay small or don ’ reach heights as tall as regular peonies . Here are a few examples .
Zhao Fen
Sometimes called “ Zhao ’s pinko , ” this potpourri hit stature of 3 - 6 feet , on average , and a width of 2 - 4 foot . While that might seem turgid , it ’s not as large as other salmagundi you might arise in your garden .
Cinnabar Red
If you ’re looking for something little , consider CinnabarRed , which typically get through a elevation and width between 2 to 2.5 fundament .
Fern Leaf Peony
If you call for an even smaller industrial plant , Fern Leaf only farm to be 1 - 2 feet in height and a utmost of 16 inches wide .
Final Thoughts
Peonies are a perennial that can tote up plenty of beaut to your garden for years to come . They can last for decades when properly cared for each year . check that you pick the right container for your plans and think back to water and fertilise frequently for optimal growth .
Written By
Amber Noyes was hold and raised in a suburban California townspeople , San Mateo . She holds a master ’s degree in gardening from the University of California as well as a B in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience working on an constitutive farm , water conservation research , Fannie Farmer ’ market place , and plant glasshouse , she understands what makes plants flourish and how we can better interpret the connection between microclimate and industrial plant health . When she ’s not on the landed estate , Amber loves informing people of new ideas / thing concern to horticulture , especially organic gardening , houseplants , and acquire plants in a small space .
