As far back as I can recall, we have grown peonies. My father, R. H. Jones, Peru, Indiana, bought his first collection of peonies when I was only three years old. This was the beginning of the hobby he now says has developed into a “horse.” So from the time I was small, I have … Read more
Peonies are just as popular today as they were m our great-grandmother’s day. Their continued esteem by gardeners is easy to understand when we consider the following: Soil Preparation Given their sterling, long-lasting qualities, peonies pay extra attention to site selection and soil preparation. Select, if possible, a location in the full sun well away … Read more
Happy is the gardener who places his plants correctly in the beginning. As a result, his garden grows old along with him—and gracefully. Each spring and fall, it can be said of both “The best is yet to be.” Peony: A Plant Of Permanence To this person, the peony offers everything, for the peony is … Read more
It is a foregone conclusion that no one will ever grow the perfect peony. But our aim should be to approach this goal as nearly as possible. The following will give such directions as will best help us to come within a reasonable distance of this end. Growing Perfect Peonies First, we must have a … Read more
Its lucky tree peonies seldom try to bloom the first year after planting. Most authorities agree they need a season’s vegetative growth, a period of putting down roots and building a powerful woody framework before bearing their extravagant flowers—sound reasoning. The reasoning is sound, but if a reckless youngster develops a bud, would you be … Read more
It was in the old house on the campus of Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, where Professor Saunders has lived for 50-odd years, with his family, his dogs, his chamber music, and his flowers. I was Ied into the dining room. There, the big old mahogany table was covered with his peony blooms, or … Read more
Tree Peonies are among the garden aristocrats, ranking with azaleas, magnolias, flowering cherries, and wistarias. During their blooming period in May and June, no plants can surpass them. The comparatively few hardy plants which produce flowers of comparable size are scarcely in the same class as these Oriental shrubs of unique delicacy and charm. Most … Read more
Of all our favorite garden flowers, the peony is perhaps taken the most for granted. This is because it is so common and grows for years and years without care and attention. Yet it is one of the most desirable perennials and has much to recommend. It is extremely hardy and practically free of diseases … Read more
In writing this article, I am keeping in mind one who has never had any experience with the peony and wishes to plant a few roots without making too many mistakes in doing so. In the first place, one must remember that the peony is a long-time proposition. We planted our first peonies in our … Read more
Most folks say peony, and a few say piney, but no matter how it is pronounced, the same wonderful plant is meant. Why wonderful? An almost impossible feat for a real enthusiast, the virtues of the peony are large, showy flowers, fragrance, lovely color range, attractive foliage throughout the growing season, ease of culture, and … Read more