This cool-climate plant has spectacular large, fragrant, ruffled or single flowers that burst into life in spring. There are many different varieties of peonies and can come in the form of an evergreen shrub (Paeonia suffruticosa Hybrids) or herbaceous perennial (Paeonia lactiflora) which dies down in winter and reshoots again in spring.


How to grow peonies in your garden

  1. Choose a well-drained spot in the garden that gets full to part sun during the day and protection from the afternoon sun.
  2. Enrich the soil with compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food before planting.
  3. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Carefully, remove the shrub from the container.
  4. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.
  5. Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
  6. Feed regularly with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.


     


How to grow peonies in a pot

  1. Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes and is double the size of the plant. Place it in a position that gets full to part sun and protection from the afternoon sun.
  2. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
  3. Carefully remove the shrub from the container.
  4. Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
  5. Feed regularly during the growing season with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

  • Peonies don’t like to be moved once established, so choose a spot where they won’t be disturbed.
  • These plants dislike having wet feet, so a well drained soil is important. 
  • Great as a cut flower.

More Plants

Hellebores

Hellebores are the moody, gothic jewels of the winter garden. Learn how you can grow them in garden or in pots.

Gardenia

Gardenias have soft scented blooms in white or yellow. Depending on the variety, can be grown as a shrub, standard, hedge or ground cover.

Freesia

Freesias are a spring flowering bulb that produce scented blooms in a range of vibrant colours including pinks, white, yellow, mauve and red.

Flax

Flax (Phormium spp.) are highly versatile plants which can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots or en-masse in garden beds.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.