Species peony
reddish-pink, glossy flower with yellow-green, shiny leaves

peony

Paeonia 'America'

Peony (Paeonia 'America') is an eye-catching perennial with pink-tinted white flowers that appear in late spring. It has soft green foliage with dark-veined leaves that offer a dainty backdrop to the abundant blooms. It grows best in full sun and prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH around 7.0. Peony 'America' reaches approximately two feet tall and two feet wide, making it well suited for borders or as a backdrop in low-maintenance gardens. Pruning is not required and it typically requires minimal watering for best performance.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Crown Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Red with golden yellow center Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water your peony (Paeonia 'America') deeply and thoroughly every week or 2 during the growing season (spring to fall). The best way to know if your peony needs watering is to feel the top 4-6in. of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. When you do water, give them a deep soak until water puddles. Let the soil dry out a bit before watering again, but do not let the soil become bone dry. During dry weather, you may need to water 2 or 3 times a week. Water less often in cooler weather.

sunlight

Peonies are known for their love of sunlight, and Paeonia 'America' is no exception. They will thrive in at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day when they are in their growing season, which is typically April to August. It can also benefit from some shade in very hot climates with temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). During the cooler months, they will need less sunlight, typically 3-6 hours of direct sunlight a day, which will help them to go dormant and rest before their next growing season.

pruning

Peony (Paeonia 'America') should be pruned in early spring, before the plant begins to bud. Pruning should always be done before the plants set flower buds, as cutting back at the wrong time could reduce or eliminate flowering. Generally, peony plants should be pruned to about 12-18 inches tall. The center of the plant should be pruned back to the ground so it remains open, and the outer stems should be pruned back by half or more. Remove any dead, decaying, or diseased wood during pruning. Thin out any overgrown stems and place the pruned branches in a compost pile or discard them.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Peonies typically start flowering in late April or early May.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is the Peony popular flower in Canada?

Yes, the peony is a popular flower in Canada. It is highly prized for its showy blooms and long-lasting beauty. Peonies have been cultivated in Canada for centuries, and their popularity is due in part to their long-lasting blooms and hardiness in colder temperatures. Peonies are a popular choice in Canadian gardens, and flower arrangements. They are also used in bouquets and centerpieces, where their stunning colors really shine.

Are Peonies fragrant?

Yes, peonies are quite fragrant. Depending on the variety of peony, the scent can be described as sweet, floral, and citrusy. Some of the most popular and aromatic varieties of peony include 'Pillow Talk', 'Fairy Tale', and the 'Duchess De Nemours'. Peonies are often used in floral arrangements and can even be grown in your garden for a fresh, summery scent.

Can Peonies be grown in partial shade?

Yes, peonies can be grown in partial shade. While they require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day during the first half of the growing season, the second half is best if the plants can receive a few hours of shade. As long as the area is not completely shaded, the peonies should do well. These plants are also hardy, so they can generally thrive in a variety of locations.

Do Peonies require well-drained soil?

Yes, peonies do require well-drained soil in order to grow and flourish. Planting them in heavy clay soil can cause the roots to rot, as the soil will stay wet for too long. To ensure good drainage and aeration, it is recommended that the soil is amended with organic matter like compost or peat moss. The soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Additionally, peonies may need to be watered more often during the summer, as they are prone to wilt in hot temperatures.

Should Peonies be staked to prevent damage?

Yes, it is a good idea to stake peonies to prevent damages. Peonies are naturally tall and floppy flowers and as such, can easily be damaged by strong winds and heavy rain. Staking is a great way to keep tall peonies from sprawling or falling over which could damage the stems or flowers. When staking your peony, use tall, sturdy stakes that support the main stem of the plant. You can use metal or bamboo stakes, but be sure to avoid stakes with sharp edges or points as those could damage the plant or injure those tending the garden. Utilizing a supporting structure for your peony will help it to look its best.

Is the Peony a long-lived perennial plant?

Yes, the Peony is a long-lived perennial plant. It can live for more than 20 years in the proper conditions, and can even last for generations with proper care and maintenance. Peonies prefer cooler climates, and well-drained soil with a relatively high pH level. They will grow to approximately 2 -3 feet in height, with heart-shaped foliage and blooms in shades of white, pink, and red. Peonies typically bloom in late spring or early summer months and make an excellent addition to any garden.