The peonies in my garden have exploded into a gorgeous pouf of seemingly
thousands of flawless petals.
Their scent is heavenly and when you walk by it just seems to swirl up and surround you. Peonies are without a doubt my favorite flower, though I have said that about
Stephanotis, Stargazer Lilies & Hollyhocks.
There's just something magical about Peonies; the plants themselves can live for 50 years or more, a lifetime, each year just as beautiful as the last.
Peonies make an excellent cut flower for their fragrance, durability and longevity. I learned this year that you can keep unopened blooms refrigerated for months.
Cut your peony stem when the bloom is just starting to burst and feels like a marshmallow, wrap the entire stem in newspaper or cellophane, leaving an opening on each end for air. Place the stems in water months later and it will bloom. I'm trying this for the first time myself this year, I'll let you know how they do.
Hardy in zones 2-8, peonies prefer full sun but require little care. Plant bare roots in the fall, or a potted plant in the early spring. I place a wire guard around the bottom of the plants to keep the large blooms from falling to the ground.
The peonies below are beautiful varieties from Klehms Song Sparrow Farm in Wisconsin. They have a vast selection of plants that you just can't pick up at your local greenhouse. I also love that they ship your product when it's the right time to plant in your area.
'Petticoat Flounce'
'Mrs. Franklin D. Rossevelt'
'Green Halo'
'Quilt Show'
"Do Tell'
'Elsa Sass'
'Squirt'
'She's my star'
'Lavender Princess'
'Pink Tutti Fruitti'
'Angel Cheeks"