Peppermint ice cream immediately comes to mind when first experiencing Candy Stripe Peony, Paeonia. Not only do its red, pink, and white blossoms attract attention, but passersby will be on the hunt for the source of its heavenly scent. Its flowers provide an important spring food source for many different species, from butterflies to hummingbirds, and of course, the notice of every passerby.
Planting Peonies
Planting Depth: Planting depth is absolutely critical to flowering performance. If the eyes are planted too shallow or too deep, they may not flower. This is the most common mistake that is made when planting peonies and is most often the reason that peonies fail to flower. Peonies must be planted with their eyes 1½ to 2 inches below the soil line. Plant Peonies roots in soil that has been amended with organic matter.
Light: Plant Peonies in full sun to light shade. Morning sun with light afternoon shade is ideal. Shading plants from the hot afternoon sun will help the flowers from fading.
Mulch: Newly planted fall divisions should be mulched before winter arrives. This will help prevent heaving from nature’s freeze-thaw cycle.
Fertilizer: To get your peonies off to a healthy start we recommend at planting applying an application of Espoma Organic Bio Tone Starter Plus. The spring after they are planted, after flowering, fertilize with Espoma Organic Plant-Tone. This will give them the energy they need to recuperate from blooming and keep a healthy root system.
