Which Peonies to Get
Figuring out which peonies to get depends on your needs. Here are some ways of figuring out what kind of peony you should get:
Award winners: peonies that have won medals at gardening shows
Bad weather: peonies that can stand up to rain & wind, or to lots of heat
Bloom time: you want peonies that flower at certain times during the blooming season
Botanical type: you choose them by botanical type (particular species or hybrid)
Cheap: you want inexpensive peonies
Colour: you want white, pink, red, coral, or yellow peonies
Fade resistant: peonies that won't fade in bright sunshine
Form: you want peony flowers of a particular shape (single, double, Japanese, etc.)
Fragrance: you want really fragrant (or, perhaps, completely unscented) peonies
Heights: you want peonies of a certain height
My Favourites: my list of favourite peonies
No staking: peonies that don't need support
Wild things: peonies that are close to their wild forms (i.e. species peonies)
Where to Get Peonies
If you're lucky, you have a source of free peonies. Otherwise you'll have to buy them like everybody else:
Free Peonies
People who have peonies will sometimes "divide" them. In other words, if the peonies are getting too large and starting to crowd each other, the roots can be dug up (in early fall) and divided. Some of the root divisions go back in the ground. Others can be given to family, friends, and neighbours.
If you are lucky enough to know someone who is giving away peony divisions (also called root stock), you have a source of free peonies. Just plant them according to the instructions I provide in the section on Planting Peonies, and you are all set.
Where to Buy Peonies
You can buy peonies at any nursery, garden centre, or large hardware store. They are sold either as root stock (i.e. pieces or divisions of peony roots), or as already potted plants.
In addition, there are many nurseries that specialize in growing and selling peonies.
Info@paeoniarockii.com
