Species peony
dewy, pinkish-purple, dense, ruffled flowers with dark-green leaves

peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Do Tell'

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Do Tell') are fragrant and stunning. With its billowy pink petals, this variety of peony is especially lovely. They make an excellent addition to any garden with every spring they burst forth in large, showy flowers. These perennials will live five to seven years and each year will produce between four to six flowers. Peonies need good drainage and full sun in order for the blooms to grow properly. They will require staking if planted in the spring as they grow up to four feet tall. 'Do Tell' will be sure to brighten up any garden bringing delightful fragrances that vary from lemon to floral tones.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Crown Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Shell pink with rose pink center Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Do Tell') should be watered once a week when its blooming and twice a week when its in the growth period between late winter and early spring. The soil should remain moist, but not soggy, so water lightly and deeply. When watering during the bloom season, focus the water on the soil around the base of the plant and not directly on the blooms. This species of peony prefers cooler weather, so supplement rainwater with irrigation during drought. In general, you should water 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.

sunlight

Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora 'Do Tell') generally do best with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it is important to note that too much direct, intense sun can adversely affect the flower, causing it to fade too quickly and making it more vulnerable to disease. Therefore, it's best to place the peony in a spot where it will receive bright, but not overly direct sunlight for the majority of the day. During the hottest months of the summer, the plant may need to be moved to a partially shaded location.

pruning

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Do Tell') should be pruned once a year, in early springtime before their buds begin to open. Pruning should be done to remove any old, dead stems and deadwood. It’s important to leave at least 3 live buds on each stem, and remove any crossing or broken branches. It’s also good to reduce the plant to 1-third of its height by removing 1-third of the branches, leaving those that are the strongest. Cutting back should be done in steps over a few years. Pruning tools should be sharp to avoid any unnecessary damage to the remaining branches. Pruning in late summer or autumn is not recommended for this species as this can prevent flowering the following year.

Season

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

Paeonia lactiflora 'Do Tell' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in 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.