Have you ever wondered how to have plentiful peony blooms in the South? Well, there are some varieties that do better in warmer climates like we have here in Raleigh, NC. Peonies are great for borders, hedges and as cut flowers. And Oh!, How we love those beautiful peony blooms in our gardens and in our flower arrangements! Peonies come in a variety of colors including pink, red, white and yellow. The foliage remains a clump of glossy, green leaves all summer after the blooms are gone. The foliage then turns a purplish or gold color in the fall.
For the best blooms, plant your peonies in full sun and well drained, fertile soil. Mix in compost for sandy or heavy soils. Typically, peonies like cold winters because they need a certain number of chilling hours, and they only need to be lightly mulched as they do not like to be smothered. However, choosing early blooming varieties is the best choice for the South. Some of the varieties that DesignScapes of NC likes are listed below.
DesignScpaes of NC Picks:
Sarah Bernhardt produces double, shell pink flowers. It reaches about 3 feet high and 3 feet wide. Sarah Bernhardt is considered a late bloomer.
Karl Rosenfield displays large, double red flowers. This is a mid-season bloomer that reaches about 2 feet wide and approximately 3-4 feet high.
Festiva Maxima produces large, fragrant, double white flowers splashed with flecks of red. This is an early to mid-season bloomer and reaches approximately 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
If we can help you with your landscape design and installation, please contact us at 919-844-3441 or fill out the contact form below.
