Peonies for Pollinator Gardens
Both the common peony and the tree peony are suitable for pollinator gardens.
The common peony (Paeonia officinalis) is a member of the ranunculus or peony family. Native to Europe and Asia, this is hardy to zone three. It is easier to grow than the tree peony.
This has long been a favorite garden plant. All peonies make great cut flowers.
Description of the Common Peony
This plant reaches two to three feet in height. The lower leaves are deeply, cut while the others aren’t indented quite as much.
The very large and showy, solitary elaborate flowers are scented. The blooms can be pure white to dark red or pink as well as yellowish. Four to five inches across, these blossoms can last for one to two weeks.
Peonies feature very showy stamens. Peony flowers can be singles or doubles. However, for pollinator gardens the single flowered ones are preferred.
Generally, the first blossoms will begin to emerge towards the end of May and the first of June. Later in the season, most peonies will rebloom in August. Many varieties of peonies are available.
Peony blossoms can provide pollinators with a lot of pollen along with just slightly less nectar.
Growing the Common Peony
These bulbs are very hardy and very reliable. They are also very long lived. Fall is the best time for planting the common peony. Generally, common peonies are free of disease and pest problems. They are adapted to most soils so long as they are well drained. A slightly acid soil is preferred.
Tree Peony
The tree peony is actually a deciduous shrub. The plant is 30 inches in height. It has elliptic or lobed leaves made up of nine leaflets. Deep green, these form a crowded mass.
The blossoms of the tree peony are cup-like and up to ten inches wide. These begin opening in May. The lovely flowers can last for up to eight days.
Tree peony blossoms are single and are often pink or white. These blooms provide pollinators with lots of yellow pollen. These also bring a good supply of nectar as well. For pollinator gardens, choose single flowered tree peonies.
The tree peony does best if it is planted in late fall. It prefers a rich, well drained soil.
Planting Tree Peonies
Fall is the best time for planting tree peonies. It also happens to be the best time for dividing peonies. For best results, these plant need staking. Do this early enough in the growing season to protect the flowers. Tree peonies prefer a well prepared soil. Dig the flower bed to a depth of one to 1 ½ feet deep. Add organic matter and mix it well.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Avoid windy sites for such sites don’t protect the blooms sufficiently.
Once the tree peonies are planted, leave them undisturbed.
The common peony (Paeonia officinalis) is a member of the ranunculus or peony family. Native to Europe and Asia, this is hardy to zone three. It is easier to grow than the tree peony.
This has long been a favorite garden plant. All peonies make great cut flowers.
Description of the Common Peony
This plant reaches two to three feet in height. The lower leaves are deeply, cut while the others aren’t indented quite as much.
The very large and showy, solitary elaborate flowers are scented. The blooms can be pure white to dark red or pink as well as yellowish. Four to five inches across, these blossoms can last for one to two weeks.
Peonies feature very showy stamens. Peony flowers can be singles or doubles. However, for pollinator gardens the single flowered ones are preferred.
Generally, the first blossoms will begin to emerge towards the end of May and the first of June. Later in the season, most peonies will rebloom in August. Many varieties of peonies are available.
Peony blossoms can provide pollinators with a lot of pollen along with just slightly less nectar.
Growing the Common Peony
These bulbs are very hardy and very reliable. They are also very long lived. Fall is the best time for planting the common peony. Generally, common peonies are free of disease and pest problems. They are adapted to most soils so long as they are well drained. A slightly acid soil is preferred.
Tree Peony
The tree peony is actually a deciduous shrub. The plant is 30 inches in height. It has elliptic or lobed leaves made up of nine leaflets. Deep green, these form a crowded mass.
The blossoms of the tree peony are cup-like and up to ten inches wide. These begin opening in May. The lovely flowers can last for up to eight days.
Tree peony blossoms are single and are often pink or white. These blooms provide pollinators with lots of yellow pollen. These also bring a good supply of nectar as well. For pollinator gardens, choose single flowered tree peonies.
The tree peony does best if it is planted in late fall. It prefers a rich, well drained soil.
Planting Tree Peonies
Fall is the best time for planting tree peonies. It also happens to be the best time for dividing peonies. For best results, these plant need staking. Do this early enough in the growing season to protect the flowers. Tree peonies prefer a well prepared soil. Dig the flower bed to a depth of one to 1 ½ feet deep. Add organic matter and mix it well.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Avoid windy sites for such sites don’t protect the blooms sufficiently.
Once the tree peonies are planted, leave them undisturbed.
Related Articles
Editor's Picks Articles
Top Ten Articles
Previous Features
Site Map
Content copyright © 2023 by Connie Krochmal. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Connie Krochmal. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Connie Krochmal for details.
