Bring indoors as a cut flower

Peonies have a sweet vase life but it is short, only about five days. To make them last longer, put them in a room that’s cool and away from direct sunlight. Refresh the water and trim stems every day.

5 GO GENTLY INTO THE LIGHT

Plant your tree peonies where they get northern or a gentle eastern sun. Too much exposure to the intense western sun will cause the flowers to wither sooner than they should.

6 POWER OF PROFUSION

Think of creating a mixed border with a range of colourful herbaceous peonies. Then make a statement in the corners with the bu ery yellow, ground-hugging Itoh hybrid ‘Garden Treasure’, which is considered one of the finest hybrids available. Build height in your bed with a tree peony.