Modern Peonies Demand Little, Produce Generously

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 281, 27 November 1941, Page 19

Modern Peonies Demand Little, Produce Generously

JUDGING by several inquiries that have come to hand recently, the belief still persists in some quarters that peonies are hard to grow. Actually they are as hardy as docks and have only a few well-defined needs. N They are among the finest cutting flowers, for when cut with buds on they will open fully in water, even to the last small marble bud.

Those who know of the modern herbaceous varieties do not need to be told of their many beauties, but rather the trick of cultivation that will ensure a constant company of good-flowering plants. First thing to remember is that they do not need protection from cold. Coddling in any form is unnecessary, and fresh air and good cultivation are the best treatment. A handful of bonemeal mixed with the soil at the time of planting is sufficient fertiliser for each peony. Stable manure should never be permitted to come in contact with the roots; and it is worth remembering that the crown should be only just below the soil surface. If it is buried more than a couple of inches a gnarled growth comes in time, and often with that decay, galled overgrowths and excessive production of shoot buds with none developing vigorously.

The great secret of successful blooming is to secure to the plants a sufficiency of soil-moisture to satisfy their great fleshy roots. When they are planted in excessive shade too near to large trees or tall shrubs, or upon a hard, impervious sub-soil, there is deficiency of moisture, and peonies will not bloom freely, if at all.

Once planted, peonies prefer to be left alone. They sulk for a year or two after moving, but when established they should not be moved for years. They go on increasing in size and splendour year by year. In spring many growers spread wellrotted cow manure or compost round (never on) the crowns. After the plants have finished blooming the foliage, as with bulbs, must be left to die of its own accord.

There is no need to be alarmed if ants are seen running up and down the stems, or are congregating upon the stout buds, a point that was raised by one correspondent. These are in fact a good sign, for healthy peony buds exude a sticky sweetness acceptable to the ant.