The KING of the GARDEN

LOCATION Full sun, protection from wind or part shade (in areas with hot summers), is the ideal spot for peonies. Choose your position wisely, as while peonies can be moved, they don’t love being disturbed.

CLIMATE Herbaceous peonies will only grw in cold climates- think cold mountain areas of Tasmania and Victoria. Tree peonies will grow in cool climate areas also, so check with your nursery about which species will grow in your area.

PLANTING Herbaceous varieties will be sold as bare root rhizomes, dig a shallow hole and plant them with the buds facing up, no more than 2 inches under the surface. Plant about 60cm apart. Tree peonies will be sold in pots and can be planted by digging a hole twice the width of the pot, teasing the roots and placing the tree in the pot, backfilling with soil. Add a good dose of lime to the soil also.

Elegance, wealth, prosperity - beautiful peonies have a reputation that preedes them including being difficult to grow. But once you master a few basic tricks, they may just be the most rewarding flowers to bloom in your garden.

WATER Keep peonies moist but never wet, in summer make sure the soil is kept cool but doesn’t dry out.