Peonies, celebrated for their vibrant and fragrant blooms, require careful attention to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. Proper propagation techniques, tying methods, cutting practices, and pest control strategies are crucial for successful peony cultivation.
To propagate peonies, division of the bush or root cuttings are effective methods, ideally performed from late summer to early autumn or before the end of May. For division, select a strong bush at least five years old, carefully dig it up, and divide it into sections, each containing three to five buds. Shorten the roots, dust them with ash, and let them sit in the shade for a day before planting them in a prepared hole with drainage and nutrient-rich soil. Root cuttings can be grown in a nursery before transplanting to a permanent location in the fall.
Tying peonies is essential to prevent the plant from falling apart and breaking, especially during strong winds and thunderstorms. Various tying options exist, including special rings, rectangular fences made of small boards, or supports around the bush tied with fabric or twine. The goal is to provide support and maintain the plant’s shape, promoting lush flowering.
When cutting peonies, avoid cutting the flower at the very root to prevent damage to the leaves and other stems. The optimal cutting height is 40–50 centimeters, using pruning shears or a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle. To prolong the life of cut peonies, place them in cold water for a few minutes before transferring them to room temperature water, changing the water every three days, and avoiding direct sunlight.
Ants are common visitors to peony buds, but they can be eliminated without resorting to harmful chemicals. A simple method involves mixing boric acid with jam or boiled eggs and scattering it around the bush. Another option is using “Green soap,” a product containing oil and soapy components, which is safe for people and soil but requires repeated application after rain. Chemical treatments should be reserved as a last resort due to their potential harm to people and beneficial insects.