peony

Peonies require consistent watering to keep their soil moist, but not wet. To keep your Karl Rosenfield peonies healthy, water 1-2 inches per week, more during extended periods of hot weather. Start watering in the spring when the shoots emerge from the soil, continuing through the summer months until the plant goes dormant in late summer or early fall. To avoid root rot, check the soil weekly and water only if the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry. Water the soil until it is evenly moist. Too much water can lead to root rot and decreased blooming, so adjust your watering depending on rainfall and local conditions.

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfield') requires full sunlight for optimal growth. For best results, the species needs at least 6 or more hours of sunlight per day. If grown in areas with less sunlight, peonies may not produce as many flowers or won't flower at all. Sunlight should be provided in the morning and in the afternoon (6 to 8 hours during the day). Morning sunlight is especially beneficial as it will dry off any dew on the leaves, thereby preventing powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.

Peony plants should be pruned just after they have finished blooming. Pruning should range from light to moderate, depending on the size of the plant. Begin by removing dead, diseased, and damaged shoots. Then remove any wayward shoots, ensuring a symmetrical shape. Finally, it is beneficial to cut old, weak, and spindly stems at the base, leaving healthy stems of no more than 3-4 years old. Keep in mind that pruning a peony too hard will stunt flowering, so err on the side of caution.