Herbaceous Peony Flower Seeds Packet

1. Ornamental Gardening:

• Perfect for flower beds, borders, and cottage gardens.
• Creates focal points with lush blooms and elegant foliage.

2. Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements:

• Highly valued in wedding bouquets and vase arrangements.
• Long vase life and elegant appearance make peonies a florist favorite.

3. Traditional Medicine & Symbolism:

• Historically used in Chinese herbal medicine for its believed healing properties.
• Symbolizes prosperity, romance, and honor in various cultures.

4. Pollinator Support:

• Early blooms provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.

Light:

• Requires full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day).
• Can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.

Soil:

• Prefers rich, well-drained, loamy soil.
• Requires a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5).
• Avoid heavy clay or soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.

Watering:

• Water deeply but infrequently; peonies are drought-tolerant once established.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Temperature & Climate:

• Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
• Requires a cold period in winter for proper dormancy and flowering.

Fertilization:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.
• Top-dress with compost or aged manure annually to enrich soil nutrients.

Watering:

• Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Pruning & Deadheading:

• Cut back foliage to ground level in fall to prevent disease.
• Remove spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance.

Disease & Pest Prevention:

• Peonies are susceptible to botrytis blight and powdery mildew.
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Monitor for ants, which are harmless but attracted to peony buds.

Pests:

• Ants – Often found on peony buds but do no harm.
• Thrips & Aphids – Can be treated with neem oil.

Diseases:

• Botrytis Blight – Prevent with good airflow and proper pruning.
• Powdery Mildew – Avoid overhead watering.