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Gardening expert and CEO of Crown Pavilions, Luke Dejahang, tells Express.co.uk that there is one task you can do now to ensure peonies produce the most spectacular blooms. The gorgeous plant can produce “more beautiful blooms in summer” by simply being watered correctly.
Mr Dejahang explains: “You should water peonies deeply but infrequently, so about once a week is perfect. Watering once a week encourages strong root growth and more blooms.” While watering correctly can encourage more flowers, there are other factors that can lend a helping hand.
Firstly, it helps to know how deep to plant peonies; Mr Dejahang elaborates: “Ensure peonies are planted at the correct depth, with the crown (where the stem meets the root) just below the soil surface, as planting too deep can prevent blooming.”
A balanced fertiliser is also important, but not too much; otherwise, “this can lead to leafy growth with fewer blooms, which isn’t what you want”.
Mulching is also key, which Mr Dejahang recommends to “apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature”.
And, of course, “peonies thrive in full sun to partial shade, so you should ensure that they are placed in a suitable area where they can receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily”.
Deadheading peonies
“You should deadhead peonies after their flowers have started to fade, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer,” said Mr Dejahang.
“You should deadhead because it helps to neaten the plant, reduce the risk of fungal infections, and promote a healthier plant ready to flower again next spring.”
To deadhead peonies, use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the stem just below the spent flower above the first set of healthy leaves.
Planting peonies for next year
There are four general gardening recommendations when it comes to planting peonies.
Mr Dejahang suggests the best factors to consider include soil preparation, planting time, sunlight, and pruning.
He said: “Peonies prefer rich, well-drained soil, so you should improve the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.”
Peonies should also be planted “in late autumn or early spring” in a sunny area of the garden.
He added: “In late autumn, you should cut back herbaceous peonies to the ground to prevent disease.”
