Peonies grow and flower best in the full sun but will tolerate a very light shade. Add plenty of compost and organic material when planting to help conserve water. They enjoy a neutral to acid soil. Do not plant under tree or large shrubs as they will not compete well with larger plants with fewer flowers resulting.
Paeonies have spectacular flowers. Here are some of my favourite varieties:
Sarah Bernhardt is a rose, pink coloured paeonia with double flowers up to 20cm in diameter. This variety is tall, approximately 1m high so it will need to be staked. Because the flower is so large, it may need support too.
Karl Rosenfield. A beautiful variety, it is deep pink, bordering on red. It has really large plump flowers which grow about 15cm across and it grows to approximately 90cm high.
Bowl of Beauty: This is a real classic! It features large, bright pink flowers with ruffles or creamy, white in the centre. It also looks wonderful along borders in the garden.
Until next time! Marianne Caplice, Horticulturalist at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion, Wicklow Garden Centre.
