A profusion of skilfully planted flowers, in a setting that seems to have no rules, but is completely harmonious, relaxed and breathtakingly beautiful. Peonies with large flowers and a profusion of petals are the favourite of many cottage gardens lovers. But simple flowers are equally appreciated. Planting early and late flowering varieties will extend the flowering season.
It is a feast for the eyes to see shopaholic bees and bumblebees, with bags of pollen, ready to take off for the next available flower. The single and semi-double flowers of peonies are very often pollen bearing, making them a real asset to bees and other pollinators in your garden.
Imagine, picking your own bouquet of peonies in your garden early in the morning, definitely something to make life more beautiful! A peony is a long-lived plant, that takes 3 years to grow to maturity. From the third year onwards, you can pick 1/3 of these stems, i.e. between 5 and 10 stems per plant. It seems rather cruel to leave the rest of the beautiful flowers on the plant, but if you follow these steps you will be able to cut peonies for years to come. We recommend an average spacing of 75cm, so you will need about 4 square meters for 6 peonies. This makes them easy to look after and pick. For more advise and tips on growing beautiful peonies, click here .
Who loves weeding! These varieties are extra tough. A plant structure with above average stems and dense foliage suppresses weed competition. Support is not necessary. Peonies planted in full sun are happy plants, which makes the gardener happy.
Symmetry, a central axis and a repetition of geometric shapes, sometimes bordered by low hedges or other greenery, are the key! Classic peonies in pale shades are ideal plants to soften the structures and to celebrate the spring season.
