Early last year I met a now dear friend of mine through the Virginia Gardening site. He has not only become a friend, but also a mentor. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know AJ, and he’s a wealth of knowledge, and willing to share it which is why Iove gardeners so much! Explaining to me the ins and outs of Virginia growing seasons, how they are longer, and crop rotation can happen up to three times if youre on top of it! AJ has sent me seeds I’ve purchased, and roots too. Including probably the most beautiful peony roots I’ve ever laid eyes on! Not only does his purchases benefit the efforts of Chef Jose Andres and The World Central Kitchen, but all of his proceeds go there. I purchased almost sixty roots, and they all have such great colors and history! I’m excited to grow them, and Virginia is about three weeks earlier this year.
He also has a store sight he is setting up that will be live soon!
Some of the varieites I will be growing and have available going forward.
Albert Crousse – Lactiflora Peony, Crousse, 1893, Late Season, Double, Pale Pink Turning White
Red Charm, Lactiflora Peony, Glasscock, 1944, Early Season, Double Bomb Type, Red Peony
Gardenia Peony, Lactiflora, Lin, 1949, Mid-Season, Double, Pure White
Orange Victory, Itoh Peony, 2004, Early Season Peony, Semi-Double, Orange with Red Flares
Cora Louise, Itoh Peony, RF Anderson, 1986, Early/Mid Season Peony Lavender with Purple Flares
Sarah Bernhardt, Double Flowered,Lemoine, 1906, Late Season, True clear Pink.
Duchesse de Nemours, Double Flowered, Calot, 1856, Middle Season, White and Fragrant.
So why are peonies so popular? Well, between their gorgeous showy flowers, and the beautiful scent, they only stick around for maybe six to eight weeks. But that’s not all, they are pretty easy to grow, with few pest problems. Yes, the ants love their sweet sticky sap, but the deer don’t and that makes them yet another fun reason to try your hand at growing them!
Care is fairly easy also, a 1/2 cup of bone meal in most well draining soil, and that is about all that is needed. Maybe use some staking if those showy flowers decide it will be a prolific year! Staking these beauties can be done all sorts of ways also. Perhaps use some willow and create a criss-cross style, or use an old tomato cage and spray it a fun color.
Whichever you choose to try to grow, when you decide to pick peonies, make sure they feel like a marshmallow when they are budded. That will give you the longest best way to enjoy the bloom once it starts to open. Oh, did I mention these beauties can be cut and stored in refrigeration for up to a month (sometimes longer!) Wrap them in paper and give them a fresh cut, and you can store them for weeks! Store them alone, as most flowers are not food friendly. A garage fridge does quite well, be sure to check the temperature first, 32 degrees is ideal. Tissue or newspaper or kraft paper works as well. Whichever way you choose to enjoy your peonies, remember a nice clean cut and fresh water with some floral packets go a long way and they can last up to a week if kept out of the sun. Get ready to enjoy these gorgeous bodacious blooms, because they are coming soon!