Easy Peonies for Urban Gardeners

I'm thrilled to share my passion for Peonies with you. Growing up in the South, I was surrounded by vibrant Azaleas at Springtime, but it wasn't until I moved to the Midwest that I fell head over heels for the stunning Peony.

Now, let me tell you why every urban gardener needs to add a Peony (or three!) to their garden. Here are my top three reasons:

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Sarah Bernhardt Peony Bush, zones 3-8

1. Dual Display Peony Delight

Picture this! Bold, breathtaking blooms in the spring that transform into a lush green hedge for the rest of the season. They can thrive in compact spaces and you can harvest blooms if they get too large, making them perfect for urban gardens. Try planting them in corners or in the back of the garden to make the most of their show-stopping beauty.

2. Low-Maintenance Marvels

I'm all about keeping things simple, and Peonies totally deliver in the low-maintenance department. Seriously, there are only two things you need to do to keep these beauties blooming year after year. First up, invest in a plant hoop/ring to support those heavy blooms and prevent them from drooping. They cost about five dollars and you simply push them into the ground, no tools needed. Trust me, it's a game-changer! Here’s the plant ring I use.

Once the blooms have faded, just give the stems a trim, leaving the greenery intact. Come late fall, give the stems a final snip down to just above 2-inches above the ground, and you're good to go. Plus, Peonies are pretty resilient and don't suffer from many disease issues – bonus!

Plant ring shown will hold stems upright once blooms emerge.

3. The Spring Rose

Move over, traditional roses – there's a new flower in town! Peonies, also known as the "Spring Rose," are gaining popularity among florists, and it's easy to see why. Not only do they boast large, showy blooms, but they also have an impressive vase life of 7-10 days when treated right.

Want to know a secret for extending their vase life? It's all about the warm water bath, a trick I learned from the amazing Erin Benzakein of Floret Farm. Trust me, it works!

So, there you have it – the lowdown on why Peonies are a must-have for any urban garden. These beauties are so easy to grow and are sure to add a touch of magic to your outdoor space.

Tip: If I’ve convinced you to give Peonies a try, I suggest starting with a container plant vs a bare root. Bare root Peonies can be less expensive but I find container Peonies are already planted at the right depth and there’s no guess-work when it comes to planting.

For those of you who adore gardening literature, appreciate stunning floral photography, or need the ideal gift for a fellow gardener, Erin Benzakein’s, Cut Flower Garden book is an essential addition to your collection.

Happy gardening!

Amanda Rae