Peonies

[deannatrois]

I have a red peony ordered, can put it in a container but would prefer to put in the front garden as it gets a lot more sun. I believe it prefers a slightly acid soil.., how do I create this? I suspect that ericaceous compost would leach away and might be too acidic anyway.

Many thanks for any help

[tigerella]

Hi,
I adore peonies and currently have the gorgeous Top Brass and Whopper. As far as I know, they do fine in a sunny well draining spot in a light fertile soil. Not ericaceous. They like a good heavy feed regularly and will need staking as blooms can be top heavy.

My Whopper was put in last year and hasn't flowered this year. It can take them a year or two to settle in and fully flower.

The tuberous root crown has to be planted as you find it in the pot, not too deep or it will rot and not too high or it will dry out.

[deannatrois]

Unfortunately it may have been a bad buy, taking a long time to recover from the journey. I have been advised to keep it out of direct sunlight and water well, which I am doing and hoping it will recover eventually. Might well keep it potted til next year (but will feed obviously).

Many thanks for your advice.