Peonies in Penponds

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 Penponds · last frost ≈ 31 Mar

Plant out June to April, harvest April to November. Frost risk November to March.
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Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Peony

  1. 01

    Plant Crowns Shallowly

    27 Jun to 23 Apr

    Plant around 27th June - 23rd April 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

    24 Nov to 24 Mar

    Water thoroughly straight after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist through 24th November - 24th March while roots settle. Water at the base in dry spells, but avoid soggy soil.

  3. 03

    Support Heavy Stems

    30 Apr to 14 Jun

    From 30th April, 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

    30 Apr to 24 Nov

    Deadhead fading blooms during 30th April - 24th November 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

    10 Nov to 24 Dec

    After the foliage yellows and dies back, cut the stems down during 10th November - 24th December. 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.