Peony
Paeonia lactiflora
The garden peony is one of the most reliable long-lived perennials in Alberta gardens, with documented century-old plantings still blooming on prairie homesteads. Originally bred from species native to East Asia (Paeonia lactiflora and related species), modern garden peonies offer single, semi-double, and double flowers in white, blush, pink, coral, magenta, and burgundy, with the heaviest bloom in mid-June through early July in Edmonton. Hardy to Zone 2 and essentially indestructible once established. The most common reason a transplanted peony does not bloom is being planted too deep: the white eyes (growing points on the crown) must sit no more than 5 cm below the soil surface. Plant deeper than that and you can wait a decade for flowers. Peonies dislike being moved, so site them carefully the first time. Heavy-headed double-flowered cultivars often need staking or peony rings to keep blooms upright after rain. Reliable Edmonton cultivars include 'Sarah Bernhardt' (pink double, fragrant), 'Karl Rosenfield' (deep red), 'Festiva Maxima' (white with red flecks), and 'Coral Charm' (coral that ages to pale yellow).
Quick Facts
Distribution
Garden perennial. Original species native to East Asia. Hardy throughout Alberta (Zone 2).
Light
Full sun for best bloom. Tolerates part shade with reduced flowering.
Bloom Time
Mid-June through early July in Edmonton
Soil
Rich, well-drained loam, slightly alkaline. Edmonton's Black Chernozem is ideal. Tolerates clay if drainage is reasonable. Dislikes wet winter feet.
Water
Moderate. Consistent moisture during spring growth and bud development. Reduce water in late summer to firm up the crown for winter.
Growing & Cultivation
Best Planting Time
Late September through October for bare-root divisions (the traditional and most successful method). Spring-potted plants can go in any time once frost risk passes.
Propagation
Division in fall (late September to mid-October). Lift the entire crown, wash off soil, divide so each piece has 3 to 5 eyes and a good piece of fleshy root, replant immediately at the correct depth (eyes 3 to 5 cm below soil surface, no deeper).
Pruning / Splitting
Cut all stems to the ground after killing frost. Remove and dispose of foliage (do not compost) if any sign of botrytis (grey mould) has appeared during the season.
Spacing
90 cm to 1 m. Peonies grow into substantial 1 m wide clumps and dislike being crowded.
