Question
Hi,

I am a new gardener and I am trying to start a perennial garden. I recently bought a peony and planted it in a spot that I though would work because I know they like a lot of sun. After planting it I realized that the tree that is in that bed had not yet gotten its leaves and the spot I  picked was not so great. I then dug up the peony and planted it in some potting mix in a 12" pot. I figured this way I could monitor the sun it gets and adjust as needed. After doing some research online I read that Peony do not do well in pots. Now I don't know what to do? Should I move it again? How much direct sun do they really require? Any help would be really appreciated.

Answer
Try and try and try again... Dig up your frazzled Peony again and be careful, because Peonies are somewhat delicate, and they are extremely finicky about how deep your plant them and where.

You picked a tricky plant to start with.  But this can be done, eventually.

You should be aware that mew Peonies typically take a year or two to bloom at all.  So if you don't get the instant flowers you are certainly anticipating, don't take it personally.  Besides, subsequent seasons will usually yield more and more flowers.

You did not mention your location.  So I must add that in the South, down to Zone 8, Peonies do not thrive.  The climate there is simply too kind.  Peonies miss the kind of brisk weather that makes them set buds in the coldest parts of the country.  The balmy Winters are just not going to cut it for Peonies planted in Georgia or South Carolina.  And with Global Warming, if you are doing this down South or in the West, you may miss the extended winter cold snap that Peonies love.  There's a reason the Peony is the state flower of Indiana -- in the very chilly Zones 5 and 6.

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has posted a short report on Peonies:

www.ces.ncsu.edu/pitt/ag/hort/releases2002/newsoct26.html

where they note:  'Some mail order catalogs provide a rating range from 100 to 300 chilling hours per winter for cultivars.'

Another potential problem that is most certainly up your alley: Authorities in general agree that Peonies HATE to be transplanted.  The NCCES puts it this way: 'PDivide and replant only after they become crowded - usually after 10 to 15 years.'

You have accomplished much more of that in a far shorter time.  So expect this work to take its toll.

That said, I recommend their posted instructions for this procedure.  It is important to read them because they go into a lot of detail about PLANTING DEPTH, a critical decision that will determine whether or not your Peony EVER blooms.  Most people plant these TOO DEEP.  So read the detailed guidelines at the NCCES website.

Finally, make sure your Peony gets all the basic TLC it needs: Lots of Sun every day.  Early Spring supplements of Phosphorous (the P in N-P-K) to encourage blooms.   Prompt, aggressive treatment for Botrytis to minimize damage and build the strength they all need to bud and bloom.

And for fun you might consider a membership in the American Peony Society:

www.americanpeonysociety.org

They post photos of vintage peonies that may be growing in your garden on their website.  Their bulletin issues regular Tricks of the Trade for specialized Peony care and feeding.

Good luck and please keep me posted.

L.I.G.