PEONIES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 92, 20 April 1939, Page 25

PEONIES

The gorgeous modern herbaceous peonies, which have been evolved during the last thirty or forty years, are so vastly superior to the old-fashioned plants as hardly to be recognisable as belonging to the same family. Most of the up-to-date varieties have a delightful scent, and may be had in many beautiful colours with either single or double flowers.

Peonies are very resentful of disturbance, and may be successfully grown in the same spot for an indefinite period, the plants improving from year to year, always provided the ground v^as properly prepared and adequately manured before planting. An annual mulching with decayed leaves or rotted manure should also be given in September or October.'

The site chosen for peonies should be one in full sun but protected from the worst of the winds.

The present time is perhaps the best for planting peonies, although they may also be planted in the spring, but the Matter planting is apt to result in the plants failing to flower the first season.

It should be borne in mind that whatever time they are planted peonies will never give first-class returns until they have been established for a year or two and from then on the results will be progressively good.

Always allow plenty of room for the plants, making allowance for future years. The space between the plants may always be filled in with shallowrooted annuals 'vhile the plants are still small. Avoid planting other gross feeders close up to the peonies, and never plant against shrubs or hedges. Established plants may be divided where, for any reason, it is deemed advisable. The rootstocks are long and fleshy, and must be lifted with the minimum of damage. When first taken from the ground the roots are very brittle, but if allowed to lie out in the air for twenty-four hours they become limp and may then be divided with less risk of breaking.

After lifting the old plant, remove as much soil as possible. It may be necessary to wash the soil away beneath a tap. Each division should have from three to five eyes, and be well supplied with roots.

A good strong knife should be used for cutting the old plants up. When replanting see that the crowns are not more than two or three inches below the surface.

After flowering is over the plants should be kept moist to encourage leaf growth, as it is by means of the foliage that the crowns are built up. Never cut off the foliage until it has died down naturally.