Peonies in Fyfield

Paeonia spp.

Peony
Peony · Paeonia spp.

Hardy perennial for a sheltered UK border in fertile, free-draining soil. Plant crowns shallowly, keep the site undisturbed, and expect the best flowering once plants have settled in for a few years.

90 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Fyfield · last frost ≈ 8 May

Plant out May to March, harvest June to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Peony

  1. 01

    Plant Crowns Shallowly

    24 May to 20 Mar

    Plant around 24th May - 20th March in fertile, free-draining soil with the buds no more than below the surface. Peonies hate being moved, so choose a permanent spot and firm the soil gently after planting.

  2. 02

    Water In and Establish

    21 Oct to 18 Feb

    Water thoroughly straight after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist through 21st October - 18th February while roots settle. Water at the base in dry spells, but avoid soggy soil.

  3. 03

    Support Heavy Stems

    7 Jun to 22 Jul

    From 7th June, put supports in early as growth rises so the stems come through them cleanly. Ring supports or discreet canes work well, and it is easier than trying to prop up a full plant later.

  4. 04

    Enjoy and Deadhead

    7 Jun to 21 Oct

    Deadhead fading blooms during 7th June - 21st October to keep the plant tidy. Cut each spent flower back to a strong leaf joint, but leave the foliage in place to feed the root for next year.

  5. 05

    Cut Back Herbaceous Growth

    7 Oct to 20 Nov

    After the foliage yellows and dies back, cut the stems down during 7th October - 20th November. Clear away fallen leaves and old stems so the border stays tidy and less attractive to mould.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Peony.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Peony to consider

Sarah Bernhardt

A classic double pink peony with large, scented blooms and a reliable garden habit.

Bowl of Beauty

An anemone-flowered type with pink outer petals and a creamy centre, often good for cutting.

Duchesse de Nemours

A well-known white double peony with strong stems and a good scent.

Karl Rosenfield

A deep red double peony that flowers well in a sunny border.

Peony guides by town

See how Peony timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.