Monday, November 16, 2009

When can you replant peonies?

Peonies don't like to be transplanted. However if that's what you have to do, dig a hole about 1ft. deep before planting in a half shaded location.Mix the soil with a liberal amount of well-decayed manure or compost.Plant between September and March in mild weather. Set the crowns no more than 1 inch deep or they may not flower. After planting rake bonemeal into the top 4 inches around the plant taking care not to damage the roots. Peonies like moist but well-drained soil.

When can you replant peonies?
Yes.
Reply:An old, old farm woman told me about 40 years ago to replant them on the first day of September. Works for me.
Reply:it's best not to disturb them, once they have found a home they don't like to be disturbed, they cannot be split like other perennials and sulk if you try (the flower size and colour changes, you could even loose them altogether) unless they are in pots then you can put them in a bigger one or in the ground in autumn. if you really need to move them take a huge root ball with them 1+1/2 times bigger than the plant is in summer and pray (also do this in autumn, water well once transplanted) GOOD LUCK


Is it possible to get peonies this time of year?

I know they are out of season but it's my girlfriends favorite flower. And I just wanted to see if there was possibly somewhere I could order them from. If not I'll have to figure something else out.

Is it possible to get peonies this time of year?
My Peonies are just starting pt peep through, Unless you go to a large garden centre who grow them in greenhouses, then i don`t think that you`ll get them yet.


Why not order some for her to plant in the garden and watch them grow.


Any ideas for an art nouveau (Alphonse Mucha) inspired wedding decorations ect?

I am already decorating the tables with antique green bottles and pink depression glass vases filled with pink and white w/green flowers. Peonies are my favorite but may add others. I need other ideas. The wedding is in a tent at my fiances parents house which is a large 200 year old victorian home with lush gardens all around. Thanks for your input!!

Any ideas for an art nouveau (Alphonse Mucha) inspired wedding decorations ect?
Wow, it sounds beautiful! What you already have planned sounds lovely! My opinion would be to not go overboard with the decorations. Just have the lovely table centerpieces and the gardens around. That is enough.





Are you having a complete vintage wedding? There are so many beautiful (authentic) vintage gowns on Ebay. I just love looking at them. Are you doing art nouveau invitations? Here is a link I found:


http://www.eleganthandmadecreations.com/...





It would be fun to do a whole vintage theme. Your venue sounds beautiful and elegant. I wish you the best and hope your wedding day is beautiful!
Reply:have some art nouveau work at each table for centerpieces





use those colors and styles for BM dresses





lots of flat colors with organic design in things like dishes and CAKE

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How do you say this in portuguese?

I don't know how to say peonies in portuguese!!! I need to know the name of those flowers in portuguese, please!!!

How do you say this in portuguese?
It's not very difficult:





- Peónias...


Could you please help with my Chinese poem?

Hello, I am trying to write a poem. I will emphasise that I know nothing of the Chinese language or calligraphy. What I have done is to study some Chinese poetry [some Li Bai and Bai Juyi poems] and try and understand their literal translations. It seems more about bringing concepts together to me. I've used a translator [which I am aware are often inaccurate with something as complex as Chinese] and my own personal ideas on which characters look most aesthetic. In all probability this reads like rubbish, but if there is any worth in it could you please suggest improvements. Thanks:





Spring Dusk 春天 黄昏





Day lengthen night 天 加长 夜





Bamboo lengthen toward cloud 竹子 加长 往 云彩





Sun drop toward ground 太阳 下降 往 地面





Petal drop chases sun 瓣 下降 追逐 太阳





Night chases red peony vanish 夜 追逐 红色 牡丹 消失





Two lonely eyes sky upward look 二 孤独 眼睛 天空 看





Stars glimmer bright bright 星 微光 明亮 明亮





Tranquil time thinking of you 平静 时间 认为 您

Could you please help with my Chinese poem?
When you don't know how to walk, how can you run???





Well.. I'm impressed!





Still.. it is not Chinese nor poem! just some phases! you need to know the sentense structure of Chinese language first.





I guess this "poem" is a love song mainly want to express how he/she miss a person in a long day till the quiet night has come. (Actually, he/she is thinking of that person the whole day, but to start the poem from the romantic spring morning till the orange red poeny colour sunset, then the starry night...)





Li Bai and Bai Chu Yi were Experts in Tang Dynasty..., there are rhythms and straight rules when writing old Chinese poems, the number of words, etc. It is hard to explain to you now. I learned some from highschool but I forget all the rules.. hahaha.. never wrote any real good ones, but did write some for fun when I was young. Below are my suggestion / re-arrangements of words for the last 3 lines.





For example: Lonely eyes look up to the sky


一雙寒眸望天邊





(7 characters) (寒= cold which can also express lonely, 眸子= another phase for eyes )





Stars glimmer brightly high up there


閃閃繁星耀千里





(閃閃=twinkle, 繁星 = lot of stars, 耀 = bright, 千里 = thousand miles away, far away, I use this to match with a pair of lonely eyes (一雙)





Thinking of you in this tranquil time





幽幽靜夜暗思君





(幽幽=quiet, tranquil (can express loneliness too) 靜 = quiet / tranquit (幽靜=tranquil) 夜= night , 暗思君 = thinking of you in my heart (quietly...) - also have an expression of "shy" if the writer is a female.





These 3 lines I changed and made them look like kinda poem.. but have to match with the rythms in mandarin.. so it is very difficult, and by the way, I'm not you, I do not know what you really want your poem to be (in what style), so I can't give any good advice, I am not a poet!





I'm tired and need an afternoon nap! May be.. I will work on the other lines later.. but not now! :P





Cheers!





Then.. Pick Shirley's answers... not 100% right.. but still ok. And I'm not going to work on the other lines ahahhahahah.. ^.~...!





You are asking help here.. that's no good, if i were that girl, I prefer you to just do something by yourself only, that's more impressive, no matter how "rubbish" it looks like, it is your true feeling and "心意", the one you wrote in your question is good enough, raw and cute! Believe me! She would appreciate your lines a lot more.





My lines are too "Chinese" and it is impossible to say those lines were written by you!





Take your time to learn Chinese, don't push yourself, as you said you are not in a hurry! Chinese brush writing isn't easy to learn and it takes a lot of practice, daily practice! I had that as homework in my primary school, I hated it, now, I would like to learn it but still I can't afford the time to practise it daily, so, thinking of when I retired, I would do it. So, there is a chance that you would already be as an expert and be my teacher at that time!
Reply:Thanks for the points, I found a spelling error, should be "rhymes" I would suggest you to write an English poem to her first, it still would be very impressive with a small bunch of flowers. Good Luck for your Exam first! Report It

Reply:Spring Dusk 春日的黄昏





Day lengthen night 白昼长过黑夜





Bamboo lengthen toward cloud 竹子伸向云彩





Sun drop toward ground 太阳坠向大地





Petal drop chases sun 花瓣落下追随太阳





Night chases red peony vanish 夜追逐着红色牡丹消失





Two lonely eyes sky upward look 一双孤独的眼睛看着天空





Stars glimmer bright bright 星光闪烁





Tranquil time thinking of you 平静的时光里想念着你





sorry, i do not know much of poems...


i just simply translated it more like Chinese.


hope it will help you.
Reply:good
Reply:yes, the translation seems nonsense..... anyway it's funny.


you want to translate your english poem to chinese?
Reply:do you want to translate English to Chinese?


春天的傍晚


夜变得短暂


竹子在慢慢长高,向天空的云彩招手


太阳落下地平线


花瓣随着太阳陨落


夜晚中的红牡丹已经模糊


两只寂寞的眼睛仰望着夜空


天上的星星闪闪发光


在这宁静的夜晚,我的心里只有你





I' m from China, but I'm not a poet, so read the English poem, here is what I can translate, I hope it will help you .


Peonies drooping n flimsy?

Can anyone tell me what I can do to take care of my Peonies that are huge but the stems seem to be long and flimsy that they are on the grass. I dont know what kind of peonies these are. They are beautiful yet annoying when I was cutting grass. They totally interfered. Any suggestion is appreciated.

Peonies drooping n flimsy?
Yes, ordinarily you should cage the peonies I like the three concentric rings variety of cage - mine was around $10 at Home Depot. But the problem for you is that you have to put the cage in the ground around the plant before it is up and blooming. So now the only thing you can do to put those flowers upright is to individually stake them. The Dollar Stores sell a green wire stake that would be good for this. It has an open circle at the top and a two foot wire. They only cost a dllar and I usualy keep a stack for my post season allium (I love the seed heads, but they fall over!). Those should help you out. Otherwise you have a great excuse for a big peony bouquet indoors!
Reply:Put peony hoops around them, you can get them at most garden centers or stores like Walmart of Kmart. It keeps them upright, you can also tie them up using stakes and string.





Even in bloom you can hoop peonies, you just need someone to help you hold them together while you fix the hoop. Most hoops are made so you can open part to enclose growing plants. I've put hoops around peonies in bloom many times.





There are also peony cultivars that don't flop, they are sturdier and won't fall over under their own weight.
Reply:Peonie stakes, or bras are your best bet. They're usually green and blend in pretty well. This is common with peonies, you did not do anything wrong :) I just love peonies, but don't like this issue, but I have had great success with the new roses that have tons of petals and look similar to peonies.
Reply:I've never been able to find the peonie cages people talk about, but I've tied my up with dental floss. It keeps them upright and you can't really see it.


When is the best time to separate and transplant peonies?

Fall is the best time to transplant and separate your peony bushes. Remember to leave 3 eyes on each transplant to ensure blooming next spring. Also make sure you don't plant your transplants too deep. This can also keep them from blooming. Keep in mind peonies don't like to be messed with. Don't transplant unless you absolutely have to because of low light, crowding or non blooming issues.

When is the best time to separate and transplant peonies?
Never, Burn Them
Reply:Dig and divide in the fall. Actually, for nearly all flowering plants, you divide them opposite their flowering season. So, if they bloom in the spring, you divide them in the fall.





Peonies should only be moved in the early fall. It is however never a good idea to move a mature plant from point a to point b intact. The plant will do much better if, when you dig it up, you also divide it before replanting.





A mature plant that is moved without division is likely to just sit in its new location without flowers for some years. Newly planted divisions usually start vigorous growth immediately and will produce better quality plants.
Reply:In the fall.
Reply:You must be very careful, they do not like being moved.Do it now,and remember not to plant them too deep or they will not bloom.Make sure you dig up all the root, it will be long, (called a tap root.) Good luck! I love them!
Reply:You can do it in the summer if you can supply enough water to them but early spring, late winter is usually best...mark the location of them in the late fall so you remember where they are once they go dormant.
Reply:Excellent answer 4knowledge!! She's absolutely correct.

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Why ? my Tulips looked like Peonies !! and they seem to have a bud cluster after Blooming?

3 different varieties all came up bad !! only lasted about 1 week 1/2 . anybody know what Happened ??


thnak You

Why ? my Tulips looked like Peonies !! and they seem to have a bud cluster after Blooming?
There are hybrid tulips that look like peonies now and they are called peony tulips. Could you have grabbed them by mistake at the place you purchased them or the store had them miss marked? They do take some getting used to because they look nothing like a tulip. Not to every ones taste. I know I rather have my tulips look like tulips. An example of what I am talking about go to this link.





http://www.theplantexpert.com/springbulb...





They still are very pretty.
Reply:Cross pollination is not an answer here. Yes, it would affect any offspring that your tulips produced, but it would affect the bulbs themselves. (bulbs are produced asexually)





My guess is that you grabbed some of the fancy tulip varieties that are out there these days. I have several going in my garden, and I love them.
Reply:Wherever you purchased the bulbs, they were cross pollinated before you planted them. I would take a pic then dig them up and take back. (The pic will show what they looked like).
Reply:Sounds like they were cross pollenated with another flower.


Cost difference between roses and Peonies?

I would rather have peonies than roses at my wedding. does anyone know what the difference in cost is? are peonies more expensive than roses?

Cost difference between roses and Peonies?
According to Fifty Flowers, which sells wholesale flowers, roses are about $2-3 each and peonies are $4-6 each... so peonies cost about twice as much. Keep in mind that they are much larger than roses and you won't need as many of them. http://fiftyflowers.com/
Reply:Peonies are usually more expensive than roses. You really just need to sit down with your florist and see what they say. It depends on when your wedding is and whether the peonies are "out of season" or not.





For me, flowers wasn't something that I was going to give in on - so I got whatever I wanted and was very happy.
Reply:http://www.floristdex.com/calculator.php








I love this site it is soooo helpful when trying to get a rough estimate. Make sure to check out the types of flowers section too there are a few cheaper alternatives.





I was at the market this morning and since peonies aren't in season they were going for 6.75 a stem in north jersey and roses are normally 4.00 a stem at wholesale market.





Personally though I find there is no kind of comparison I LOVE peonies. And when they are in season they are much cheaper (5.00 dollars a stem depending on your area roses in season are about 2.75). Not to mention good ones are much larger then roses so you won't need as many for your bouquet.
Reply:Peonies are slightly more expensive than roses, but there are other considerations when making this decision.





Peonies are not as reliable as roses in that they may come in in very tight bud form and sometimes not open up all the way. That may not be the look you want.





Also, they are great for centerpieces and okay for bouquets, but not for corsages or bouts.





The other main consideration is your wedding date, b/c peonies are only available like April thru' early June.


How do I rid ants on peonies using organic products?

I use a magic formula and it has worked great for me. Use in this proportion.





1. orange oil 4 cups


2. Eucalyptus oil 1 cup (find this in herbal stores)


3. white vinegar 1 cup.





mix this and dilute spray to the entire lawn/bedding area at 1 tablespoon/gallon rate.





Promise you, you shall never see those critters again.





P.S: Both orange oil and white vinegar are acidic.

How do I rid ants on peonies using organic products?
go to the website below and buy some diatamaceous earth, it is a organical mechanical pestide that kills any moving insects, that should solve your problem.


Whats your favortie breed of peonies? and colors?

I love all peonies! Light pink especially.

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Peonies bud good but very few bloom,Why?

Peonies are not very picky. They are very adaptable and with enough sun and water will grow almost anywhere.





It is a myth that ants are necessary to permit peonies to bloom.





Several causes for failure of peonies to bloom satisfactorily are: too deep planting, the variety, diseases (such as botrytis and viruses) and insects (thrips), immature plants, excess nitrogen, inadequate sunlight, overcrowding, nutrient deficiency, competition from roots of nearby plants or late freezes. Some cultivars will fail to bloom in zones 8 and 9 because they lack sufficient winter chilling.





If your peonies have been planted too deep, you may hurry along the flowering time by resetting them, but if they have been in place several years, they may be nearly ready to bloom since the plant "lifts" itself a little each year as it grows.





A few varieties of peonies are noted for their poor flower production. These may develop large buds that expand but refuse to open if weather is not perfect. Such varieties should be discarded.





Shade from buildings or trees may result in weak plants that fail to produce flowers or may bloom sparsely. If this is the problem, select a new site in full sun. Shade that did not exist at planting time could develop over a 20 year period, gradually creating problems with reduced blooms over the past few years.





Botrytis blight is caused by a fungus that over-winters on dead peony leaves, stems and roots. The easiest control is sanitation by completely removing the plant tops (bury or burn them) in September or October.





Some virus diseases may stunt and deform the growth of your peonies and cause a gradual decline. Each year the plant becomes shorter, somewhat discolored, and may fail to bloom. Remove such plants and destroy them.





Certain insects such as thrips can cause flowers to become deformed and not open. Apply the appropriate insecticide if thrip activity is noted, following label in structions.

Peonies bud good but very few bloom,Why?
my mom has row of them (10-12)in her yard that were there when we moved in 17yrs ago and no one has ever done anything but mow them over when they die in the fall. the only thing i can say is that may just need sun. seriously they take care of themselves as long as the roots aren't harmed. Report It

Reply:They have to have the perfect atmosphere, temperature, etc... No joke, they are very sensitive and any slight disturbance can affect the blossoming. Good Luck though!
Reply:They may be newly transplanted, or too old. They may not have enough ant activity, or poor soil. Good luck--peonies are my FAVES!!!


Also, hard frost may hurt blooming, as does drought or too MUCH rain.
Reply:Its the small ants that cluster and congregate on the flower before it actually blooms. These ants and the peonies share a symbiotic relationship. I hope your not wiping or spraying those ants off the plant. The ants go hand and hand or shall I say petal to petal with the plant.
Reply:I like ponies too. Maybe I'll get that instead of a munkee.
Reply:I had the same problem and discovered they were not getting enough sun. I transplanted them in a place where it was sunny all day and got tons of beautiful blooms.


My husband just brought in the most beautiful peonies but it is full of little black ants, I made him them out

what can I do to get rid of ants before I take in the house??

My husband just brought in the most beautiful peonies but it is full of little black ants, I made him them out
Its a myth that peonies need ants to bloom. The will bloom just fine without them. Ants like to eat the sweet sap that is around the buds. Anything you want to do to get rid of the ants is fine. Either shake the ants off or dip the plant in cold water.
Reply:leave them outside they need the ants to make them bloom
Reply:Try holding them "flower down" and lightly shaking each one as you pick it, before bringing inside. You could also lightly mist them with water to try and dislodge the ants. Carefully inspect each bloom before bringing inside. Unfortunately, ants just LOVE peonies. Display them on the counter, but not too close to food. And I wouldn't spray them with poison and then bring them inside so that you can breathe in the poison too.
Reply:the ants are what opens the peonies flower up.
Reply:These ants are common on peonies. They don't hurt anything. Just shake them out real well. I used to dunk them in some cold water for a little bit and that seemed to prompt the ants to leave.


What are these flower/leaf things?!?

I am looking for brown accents in a white/green bouquet. I found some brown flower/leaf things that I love. Does anyone know what these are? Here is a picture.





http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbvi...








Any other suggestion for brown flowers would be great! I have looked at brown cosmos and peonies.





Thanks!

What are these flower/leaf things?!?
I don't know what those are, but you may want to consider bearded iris varieties, Gingerbread Man, Mountain Melody or Afternoon Delight. Daylilies include Chocolate Dude and Double Bourbon. There is Chocolate Cosmos, a Morning Glory called Silk Rose and Chocolate Columbine.
Reply:I don't know what they are....but take your photo to your local florist and ask if they know what it is. :)
Reply:THEY'RE PRETTY
Reply:Not sure which ones you are referring to, but I see Calla Lilies http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/...





I believe the others are Anemones? And the dark ones look like Tulips.





Here are a couple of suggestions:


http://lilypadbulbs.com/catalog/product_...





http://lilypadbulbs.com/catalog/product_...





http://lilypadbulbs.com/catalog/product_...


Why are my peonies changing colors? They have been white for years and now some are pink some still white why?

they are reacting to the acid in the soil.

Why are my peonies changing colors? They have been white for years and now some are pink some still white why?
acid in the soil is correct but why did the ph change?have you fertlizered them with something different them this year?have you used lawn fertlizer with nitrogen?if you figure this out you,ll know why they changed.

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Peonies When will they bloom?

We planted peonies last year, we thought we had lost all of the 4 plants we planted, but low and behold this year they are growing quite well. They are now about 12 or more inches in height. My question is will we get flowers this year? Thank You. Jean

Peonies When will they bloom?
Mine (in Tennessee) are blooming right now. Peonies take a couple or three years to mature enough to flower. The fact that they are growing is a good thing. Maybe next year.
Reply:Peonies can take up to 8 years to bloom!





I have one in my yard that just bloomed last year. I have been in the house for 7 years and its the first time I have seen a bloom.





they take a LONG time to settle in... I like it, it prevents me from taking them for granted that is for sure
Reply:Peonies are long-lived, perennial flowers that produce large flowers in the spring. Colors include black, coral, cream, crimson, pink, purple, rose, scarlet, white, and yellow. By planting early, mid-season, and late flowering cultivars, you can have peonies flowering for 6 to 8 weeks. Two types of peonies are grown in North Carolina: garden peonies (Paeonia valbiflora or Paeonia officinalis) and tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa). Garden peonies are herbaceous perennials (height 20 to 36 inches) grouped into five types according to flower shape: single, semidouble, double, Japanese, and anemone. Tree peonies produce large numbers of flowers on a shrub-like plant; the stems do not die back each year.





Cultivars


Peonies grow best in cool climates. Some mail order catalogs provide a rating range from 100 to 300 chilling hours per winter for cultivars. Select cultivars with a low chilling requirement. In general, most of the newer peony cultivars do not perform well in the south because they were bred and selected in northern nurseries and do not receive an adequate amount of cold weather in North Carolina. Many of the older cultivars perform reasonably well in North Carolina including: Baroness Schroeder (white), Felix Crousse (red), Festiva Maxima (white double with a crimson center), Felix Supreme (raspberry), Mons. Jules Elie (medium pink double), Sarah Bernhardt (apple blossom pink), and Teresa (pink).





Site Requirements


Peonies grow best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Peonies require winter cold to flower. To encourage flowering, plant on a northern exposure and do not mulch in the winter. Flower size will decrease due to root competition from nearby trees and shrubs. The planting site should have protection from strong winds, but be well aerated to reduce diseases problems. Peonies prefer a well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Roots will quickly rot in poorly drained soil; consider planting in a raised bed. Try to avoid locations where peonies have been grown before.





Planting


The best time to plant peonies is in early fall — September and October are ideal. If planted in the spring, they may not bloom for a year or two. Purchase divisions containing 3 to 4 "eyes"; divisions with only one or two eyes normally take 3 to 5 years to flower. Be sure the divisions are free from rot when they are planted. Trim away any soft spots with a sharp knife.





Dig a hole 12 to 18 inches deep and 18 inches wide, spacing holes 3 to 4 feet apart. Incorporate a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic matter such as compost, pine bark, or well-aged manure. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant in the bottom of the hole. Avoid adding fertilizer to soil that will surround the roots. Many gardeners add a half cup of bone meal or superphosphate at planting. Remember peonies are a more or less permanent plants in the garden and they are deep rooted; the only time you can properly prepare the soil is prior to planting.





Fill the hole about half full of amended soil then place the root division with the eyes facing upward. After the division is in place, work the soil in around the fleshy roots. Be sure the "eyes" will not be more than 2 inches below the soil surface when backfilling is completed. If planted in September, the clumps should be partially established before severe cold weather occurs.





Plant a tree peony tuber with 4 to 5 inches of soil covering the graft. The graft can be recognized by the ridge on the stem and a difference in bark texture. Deep planting allows the graft to develop its own root system.





Care and Maintenance


Mulch peonies each spring with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic matter to control weeds, conserve moisture and to keep the soil cool. In the fall, remove and destroy the old mulch to aid disease control. Leave the plants unmulched during the winter. Maintain adequate phosphorus levels in the soil for healthy, vigorous root development and growth. Soil test every 3 years to monitor for essential nutrients.





Apply a low nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 at the rate of 2 to 3 lb per 100 ft2 (2 Tbsp per ft2 1/2 cup per plant) in the spring when the stems are about 2 or 3 inches high. Over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen, usually results in weak stems and reduced flowering.





To produce larger flowers, a practice known as disbudding is recommended. The terminal bud on each stem tip is left and all side buds are removed. This should be done as soon as the buds are visible. To prevent the large flowers from breaking or bending over during a strong wind or rain, plants should be staked. Sink the stake behind the plant and use stakes that are 6 to 12 inches shorter than the plants so they will not be visible. Loosely tie the stems to the stake using plastic covered wire or a soft cloth. Tie the stems, making a double loop, with one loop around the plant and the other around the stake.





Remove flowers as soon as they fade to prevent seed development, which can use up needed food reserves. The faded flower should be removed just below the flower, leaving as much foliage as possible. Cutting flowers for enjoyment in the home can also reduce the flowering in future years. Do not cut more than one-third to one-half of the flowers for cut flowers and leave as much foliage as possible on the plant.





In the fall, after a heavy frost, remove and destroy the stems of garden peonies down to 3 inches from the soil surface to eliminate the possibility of the fungal diseases overwintering. Tree peonies should not be cut back in the fall.





Peonies do not respond well to transplanting and reestablish slowly. Divide and replant only after they become crowded — usually after 10 to 15 years. Fall is the best time to divide when swollen, red buds are clearly visible. Carefully dig around and under the plant to avoid cutting off roots. Cut tubers with a sharp knife that has been sterilized with a flame or in alcohol. Each section should contain 3 to 5 eyes. Dust cut surfaces with fungicide to discourage disease infection and rot.





Potential Problems





No flowers — Peonies that were started with small tubers or were recently transplanted (especially in the spring) may fail to develop flowers for several years. Planting the tubers more than 2 inches deep or in a shady or poorly drained location can also prevent or reduce flowering. Other possibilities include tree and shrub root competition and late spring frosts.





Botrytis blight — This is caused by a fungus that overwinters on dead leaves, stems, and roots. The diseases usually appears in mid-summer, especially during cool, wet weather. Black, soft buds and wilted or soft stem tissue under the buds are usually an indication that botrytis blight is present. For control, remove diseased foliage that develops during the growing season and cut plants to the ground after a killing frost and destroy the foliage.





Phytophthora blight — This is less common than botrytis blight but can be more devastating. Black leathery spots fist occur on the buds. Stems dry up turning brown and leathery; plants may rot at the ground line or crown. Control measures recommended for botrytis blight should be followed.





Leaf spots — Several fungi can cause leaf spots on peonies. Leaf blotch is a disease that usually occurs after flowering. Infected plants have small red or reddish-brown spots that later enlarge into purplish-brown blotches on the leaf surface. Destroy affected foliage as it occurs and all foliage after a killing frost.





Virus — Mosaic virus produces yellowish blotches and rings on the foliage. Infected plants are not dwarfed or deformed. Destroy infected plants to prevent spread.





Ants — Ants often will feed on the sweet, sticky secretion which covers the flower buds. Very little direct damage results from their feeding.
Reply:You may get a few but it is my understanding it takes 3 years for them to mature after a replanting. I also planted some last fall and am anxious to see what I get! Good luck!


Probably a very silly question but can freeze dried flowers be placed in water?

I am getting married in September when my favourite flower Peony is out of season. I have located some freeze dried peony heads and was thinking I can use them as a table centre decoration in a fish bowl. Would this work, or would the head become saturated and sink?????????????

Probably a very silly question but can freeze dried flowers be placed in water?
Why not use a piece of oasis or a dry sponge and put a pin through the head to form a table decoration
Reply:The stalks would absorb water which would gradually be absorbed up the stems and eventually damage the flowers. They would make a lovely decorative piece if you fill the bowl with glass beads instead of water.


How to care for peonies shrub, what to use if there are pest on the shrub?

Peonies prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade in the south. Too much shade will prevent blooms. They need a well drained , fertile, acidic or neutral soil amended with plenty of organic compost. When planting peonies, keep them away from competing tree and shrub roots. Always plant peonies in fall. Plant the roots with pink buds (eyes) exactly 1-2 inches below ground. Peonies will not bloom if planted too low. Peonies require plenty of moisture during early spring growth and not too much fertilizer. Over fertilization results in reduced bloom. Use hoop-type supports to keep stems from flopping.





Ants are not a problem to peonies. Pest control should be specific to the pest. A common fungal disease of peonies is botrytis (gray mold), especially in warm rainy weather. Plant where good air circulation and use copper fungicides if needed. After hard frosts, cut back to ground and burn or discard cut foliage to eliminate overwintering fungal spores.

How to care for peonies shrub, what to use if there are pest on the shrub?
Peonies don't require anything other than watering. They just do what they do. And when the blooms are done you can just mow it down and it comes back bigger and better next year.
Reply:Peonies require very little care - the flowers attract ants, which actually work to open up the blooms. If you want to have cut flowers for the house, cut them in the early morning before the sugary sap gets warms %26amp; starts to attract ants.





I do not cut the greenery down aftwer the flowers are gone - I remve all the dead flowers %26amp; then just leave the greenery - I think it looks good in the garden. In the fall, or perhaps not until spring, I remo.ve all the dead stalks


Have you ever dreamed up your "perfect love" and then fell in love with this made up person?

I just finished reading The Peony Pavilion in my Chinese Drama %26amp; Performing Arts class and in it the heroine who is pretty much secluded from the outside world, visits a beautiful garden, which awakens her passions and she has a dream about a "romantic tryst" with a man she has never met. She falls in love with him through that one dream and falls really sick and eventually dies. I won't ruin the ending, but it's a happy one. :)


I had a dream that I was having dinner with my family %26amp; current boyfriend %26amp; then I said to myself in the dream, "I should date Jose," who I had just met a few days before. I would have never thought of him that way but my dream helped me realize it. That's the closest I can get to the story. Anyone else?

Have you ever dreamed up your "perfect love" and then fell in love with this made up person?
Yes! What a great question! Mine was actually a character from a book, Jondolar. He and his brother put together was my dream man. I really did fall in love with him. I even dreamed about him. That's what I love about books, you can make them out to be whom ever you want them to be. I was in love with Simon Le Bon at the time too. I would like to know the the book that you are refering to. christancat2000@yahoo.com
Reply:I don't think that is an uncommon thing to do. I would think that many of us have an ideal mate, someone we would want to look for to be with forever. I think eventually people begin to become disenchanted with what their ideal mate should be abd then begin to settle. So, maybe we should be asking ourselves this: Why do people settle when they know who their ideal mate is?
Reply:i believe in reality not fantasy there is no point in loving a man that you can never have.
Reply:I definitely had this impossible standard in my mind for a man. Besides which i wanted to be crazy head over heels in love and wasn't going to be satisfied with much else. And like all good stories, just when i resigned myself to never finding such a dream man, I found him! So now i'm completely in love with the man of my dreams, i keep expecting to wake up!
Reply:I don't think it is wise to ever look for anyone just to "date" or even someone to have a “romantic tryst" with. You have to build some practicality into you search for, dreaming of, and "falling into" romantic love.





I think you should always, always, always, be looking for the man you can spend the rest of your life with, someone who you can connect with completely both intellectually and emotionally. AND TAKE GREAT TIME AND EFFORT IN THE SEARCH. Possibly the character in your story, or even Jose, contains qualities you are already subconsciously seeking but take great care.





It may sound selfish but ultimately you are looking for someone who will make you happy, help fulfill your dreams, and stay with you forever - someone who will support your talents, career, and passions to help you lead a complete healthy and wealthy adult life.





If you look for these qualities, even in someone that you may have a short term relationship with, you cannot go wrong. Any connection you make or time you spend with them will be worth while, and passionate! And any physical connection you make will be great mind blowing because of it all.
Reply:I have had crushes on movie stars character, but never a make believe person. It would be nice to have that perfect person in your life though.
Reply:It happens. When I was young, I had a male character I thought I loved. As I matured, I realized how poorly I'd designed him. He is still around as my muse, but less defined as a character. I've never put him into a book for publication.





Try reading "Privacy" by Gini Wilson. It's about an espionage writer with a wonderful hero in her series and a real life NSA agent assigned to investigate her--and he happens to look like her hero!
Reply:every hour of every day


how else do i get perfect man??
Reply:Isn't that what people do whenever they "fall in love" with a celebrity?





Usually, because most people don't actually KNOW celebrities, they craft up this make believe character for them, based on their music or their movie roles, or whatever. They turn this celeb into their "dream character" subconsciously.





..or at least, teenage girls tend to do that.
Reply:this might be helpful


http://spirita.blogspot.com/

american football shoes

Question about peonies?

My husband and I just bought a house this fall and there are TONS of peonies in the yard but they are all in one area. I want to keep them but would like to move them to different areas in my yard. How easy are they to transplant? Anything special I need to do with them? Also, can I divide them so I have even more? Thanks!

Question about peonies?
Get a good sharp shovel or spade before you start the project. As peonies grow they seem to travel deeper into earth quite a bit and if your plants are pretty established you will need a good shovel. Once you have dug down and get main rootball out you can divide it into smaller sections and take off any dead or diseased tubers(if it's mushy or holey cut it off and toss it)


Prepare your bed with good compost or potting mix and sprinkle some bone meal into hole.That will help stimulate roots and give tubers jump start. Water in hole before you add tubers to settle in soil and force air pockets out.


Plant tuber about 10 inches to 12 inches deep. Firm potting mix down and slowly add water till thoroughly watered in.


Peonies are true perennials and will take 3 to 5 years to fully get back to full size.You will have skinny little plants first year or two after planting but don't worry eventually you will have big beautiful peonies.


Good luck!
Reply:my peonies are over 100 years old. going strong. be sure you have an ax or hatchet. Note where the ground level is on the plant when you dig it up. bury it at the same depth. Where I live zone 6 you can bury too deep but as long as every thing is covered it's hard to be too shallow. Those tubers are tough. If they don't show up the first year wait till next year. Mine were bred to bloom and be sold for memorial day and grave wreaths. By August every thing looks shabby so I just run 'em over with the snapper rider.
Reply:They can be divided and replanted. Just don't plant them too deep or they won't bloom. I have had good luck transplanting them.
Reply:Yes you can divide them.


No they don't like being divided, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.


They will recover, and Make sure you plant them in a sunny/part shade location.


Water them really good when you plant them, and mulch around them.


They will be lovely in 2 yrs.


*Hope this helps you, and don't worry I am sure your Peonies will make you Proud"


Happy Gardening~ ~
Reply:Dig them up in early spring. They don't particularly like being transplanted - but they will recover - just may look a little "weak" the first year. Water them really deep when you transplant, and during and dry periods the first year.


Wanted to use peonies for my August wedding bouquet, and I read that you cant get them in August?

My dress is very elegant and I want something simple yet striking. I saw a pic where the bride used about 6-7 huge pink peonies and it was beautiful. Any ideas, I have no idea what the August flowers are, or something close to peonies, thanks!!

Wanted to use peonies for my August wedding bouquet, and I read that you cant get them in August?
You could get someone to make you a bouquet of silk ones,
Reply:Just talk to your florist. They can probably ship them in or suggest something else to you.
Reply:You can get anything you want if you are willing to pay a premium for it.
Reply:http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/03/19/les...





peonies are definitely something you wanna order now to try and actually get for an August wedding. And prepare for a back-up in case the wholesaler doesn't come thru for you.





edit:


they are def. out of season in the US by August and if you can get them you would have to go through a good wholesaler who will likely charge an arm and a leg.





dont know how much they would be off season, but said sometimes prices of flowers can go up 2-3x or more when they aren't in season locally.





Good luck!
Reply:Here are some photos:


this one has Peonies, roses, ranunculus and hydrangea:


http://bp1.blogger.com/_Byn3wbpyP_c/RlyC...


Ranunculus bouquet: much cheaper than peony


http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjsooo/2080...


http://www.weddingbee.com/wp-content/upl...


Pink Peony:


http://weddingjunkie.com/blog/images/new...


Silk Peony bouquet:


http://www.princessbrideweddingbouquets....








best wishes.......................
Reply:I love peonies, too, but unfortunately my florist could not guarantee them in October. A similar flower is ranunculus, though not as full. I am not sure if it is in season then.





I am using dahlias and zinnias. I think dahlias are very striking flowers. Here are some pictures of pink dahlias:





http://www.dahlias.com/index.asp?PageAct...





http://www.dahlias.com/index.asp?PageAct...





http://www.dahlias.com/index.asp?PageAct...





Good luck.
Reply:check here under august:





http://www.knotforlife.com/planning/flow...
Reply:use silk flowers....... cheaper and you get to keep them forever!

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When can I transplant Peonies?

Peonies are not like most perennials when it comes time to transplant. They do best when transplanted in late summer/early fall. Here are a few good links that discuss transplanting peonies. Good luck





http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/askextensi...


http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/...


http://www.pallensmith.com/newsletter/ma...

When can I transplant Peonies?
If you transplant them in the spring before they start to come up, they will likey not bloom this year. If you transplant them in the fall, they should bloom fine next year. I split 3 clumbs and have about 9 blooming clumbs just a few months later. Even a small clump I was ready to throw away is about to bloom. They are very hardy from my experience. They are hard to divide. They don't naturally split. You may need to use some brute force but go ahead.
Reply:In the early spring when they first start to grow or in the fall after they have flowered and just after the first frost.


I cut my peonies down to a few inches for winter did I do it too soon..its nice out still?

You did just right. It is time to cut them down and a few inches is fine. Don't leave the cut down leaves on the peonies. It causes them to get a disease. When it gets colder cover them with some mulch - whatever you generally use for your garden.

I cut my peonies down to a few inches for winter did I do it too soon..its nice out still?
no it's ok. My mom cuts them down with lawnmower after the last bloom they come back everyyear.
Reply:As long as they had most of the summer with foliage, they'll be fine. They need that summertime to store food for the winter, and help them start well next spring.
Reply:u should be o k
Reply:It is a little early. I usually don't cut anything back until first freeze, but I'm sure it won't hurt them since they die back to the ground anyhow. You might see a sprout before freeze, but if you do don't worry because you will still get a return in Spring. Also, this is the time of year to plant new Peonies so there really isn't anything to worry about.


Good Luck


Get answers from millions of real people.?

My peony bush has wonderful leaves but no flowers ,i understand from your page that it was planted too deeply ,should it be replanted and what is the best season to do so ??? it is four years old and never bloomed


toronto on. canada

Get answers from millions of real people.?
http://nga-gardenshop.stores.yahoo.net/p...





This is all you need to know to successfully cultivate peonies.


I hope yours blooms - they are so pretty.


I moved my Peonies last summer and now they are stunted!?

I'm south of Chicago. Last year I moved them and they did well. This spring they are 1/2 their size. Did I re-plant too shallow, or too deep? Should I leave them alone this year? Need advice.

I moved my Peonies last summer and now they are stunted!?
Are you sure they've reached full size yet? Were they moved to a less sunny location. Last year's flowers were probably blooming based on previous year's accumulated energy so that might explain why they aren't so well this year. Are they planted too deeply? Peonies don't like to be deep in the ground. Have they been feed? Is the soil where you transplanted them different. There are lots of things that can affect growth. A hard winter can even stunt growth of many plants.


Good luck to you. :)
Reply:Make sure they are getting enough sun and water. See how they do next year. When perennials are divided, it takes them about two years to start growing. So if they are doing so great next year, dig them up and make sure you replant them with the eyes up and only about a half inch of soil covering the eyes.





I got peonies four years ago and every year they get bigger and produce more flowers. They are among my favorite flowers. I picked a huge bouquet this evening.
Reply:They will catch back up give them time.
Reply:Make sure you didn't plant them too deep. The crown should be above ground level.
Reply:Keep feeding and moderately watering and unless they are not getting enough sun, they will come around.
Reply:I would leave them alone. I transplanted my peonies and it took a few years for them to really bloom again. Now they are spectacular.

leather sandals

Transplanting Peonies?

There are 3 large clumps of peonies that my mother planted 20 years ago but now they are not getting sunlight because there are big trees grown up around them now.I have heard that I am not supposed to transplant peonies .


Thank you in advance for your help.

Transplanting Peonies?
You can transplant peonies..


when the weather starts to cool in your area.. just dig them up try not to disturb there roots a whole lot and put them where ever you want them.. dig a hole big enough to take care of the root system.. Mix some peat moss with your dirt that you dug out of the hole you dug and stick the plant in at any size you choose to split them.. just take a sharp knife in and cut down through the plant to the size you want..


pack the dirt in around your roots don't leave any air pockets. and water really good.. keep watering until it won't soak in anymore. usually takes a couple of times. and then water a couple times a week to get them going really good. you can now cut them back to where you leave only a couple of inches above ground so you can see where they are ..


If you don't disturb the roots a whole lot they should bloom good for you next year..
Reply:I am a newish gardener (3 or 4 years) and i do not follow any of the rules ha ah ha.... i have transplanted new shoots from peonies in the spring even, and as long as i have watched and watered they have been fine..... I am just optimistic like that.





As far as i have learned, plants are to be moved after the flowering season, and I am from Canada ours came and went at the beginning of the spring... so as long as yours have flowered i would say go for it....





I think you are subject to problems if it is too late in the season and the roots don't take hold before the frost sets in.... but as long as you do it well in advance....








Best of Luck, and happy gardening =)


My peonies have been mowed over, I live in the Midwest, will they still bloom this season?

sorry, probably not. they should come back next year.

My peonies have been mowed over, I live in the Midwest, will they still bloom this season?
Certainly not. Peonies resent any pruning or root disturbance.
Reply:Probably not, but next season they probably will be ok. My brother in law mowed my mom's down one year, but they came back the next year.
Reply:not likely


I am looking for candles I think the maker is times endagai or times eagain?

the scent is rose peony

I am looking for candles I think the maker is times endagai or times eagain?
google it


Please help! What is the best way to cover flowers?

I don't want my peonies, irises, and lilacs to freeze tonight! =(

Please help! What is the best way to cover flowers?
Most of all, take the covers off the next morning before it gets warm or the flowers will roast.
Reply:Use a large bucket or a cardboard box is the best or a paper bag. I wouldn't advise using a plastic bag because the plastic conveys the cold to the plant and freezes the parts touching the plant. Or you can use newspaper and anchor it with rocks so the wind doesn't blow it off. If it only gets to around 34-35 I wouldn't worry about covering them...the plants you mentioned are pretty cold hardy. Anything less than that I would cover them just to make sure.
Reply:pretty much anything. sheets or a light blanket or a comforter or a tablecloth or anything that is big enough.


Since there are no flowers on the peonies ( i presume) you can just throw it over.





I probably would not be too concerned about covering the lilacs though. They seem to be able to handle these cold snaps quite admirably. They just stop and then take a few days to start up again.
Reply:Fabric, cardboard boxes or newspaper. DO NOT USE PLASTIC -- the parts touching the plastic will freeze.





Typically, when I get into these sorts of situations, I reach for the old towels, old sheets, old blankets, pieces of polarfleece....


anything washable.
Reply:If you don't have the proper garden fleece then use a large sheet and some stakes, plant the stakes higher than the flowers and drape the sheet over them, don't allow the sheet to touch them and it will keep any minor frost off them. Hope this helps :)
Reply:you can lay towels or blankets over them.





if you don't want to lay the blankets directly on them put some stakes in the ground to hold the blankets right above the plants.
Reply:All you can do is put a blanket over them. I know that sounds weird, but it is the best thing to do. Good-luck!
Reply:My grandma always just threw a comforter over her flowers...
Reply:A light weight sheet works very well.
Reply:i put old sheets over them. put rocks around to hold down

clogs

Is it possible that the luna moth caterpillar is going to make its cocoon as long as he is still green?

I read that they change to yellow brown before cocooning- ours is hanging down a peony leaf, and from what I understand there is no tree in our neighbourhood, that he feeds from-its at least 9 cm.

Is it possible that the luna moth caterpillar is going to make its cocoon as long as he is still green?
Yes, it is possible. Nature loves her little surprises.


Live well, love deep and do good


What is your favorite BATH AND BODY WORKS scents?

Mine are Japanese Cherry Blossom and Sensual Amber. Which are least favorite? I don't care for Peony or Sweet Pea. THey are too "flowery".

What is your favorite BATH AND BODY WORKS scents?
OMG- sensual amber ROCKS!!! I get so many compliments. I hate all the ones that are the smell of food- like creme brulee-GROSS
Reply:that is so hard my favs are country apple, vannila, pomogrante, aisain pear, and all the warm scebts like pumpkin and gingerbread-but mstly fruity stuf like apple





i hate floral stuff and crembrule and peony and sweat pea, and etc.
Reply:Sweet Pea
Reply:I love the pineapple and warm vanilla,but my favorite is the lime coconut
Reply:Probally Cucumbe melon hmmm


Tell me about my peonies, please?

I've looked them up but don't know what kind they are. They die back to the ground in the winter but come back every year. What I've seen online says they should be single or double but I have one that has 5 flowers growing on one stalk. Some of the flowers are as big as my hand. And white and pink grow from the same plant (not the same stalk though) Besides figuring out how to stake them up better, what else do I do? I haven't done anything to care for these and are considering moving them as well. I'm awfully curious as to what exactly they are as well.http://new.photos.yahoo.com/erin_bridget...

Tell me about my peonies, please?
Single or double refers to the number %26amp; kind of petal in a peony. The basic form of a peony or any flower can be changed by selective breeding or hybridizing between species. Paeonia lactiflora x Paeonia officinalis. It even changes things as which donates the seed vs. the pollen.


http://www.paeonia.ch/db/seiten_e/liste0...


In peonies the single flower is a set of broad petals in a single row which surrounds a mass of pollen bearing stamens and seed bearing carpels. An example is 'Le Printemps' .


The Semi-double flowers contain carpels that have widened irregularly making petaloids of varying widths with stamens mixed in. There is a base row of guard petals that may or may not be clearly different. 'Stephania'


Semi rose The petals are uniformly wide with a few stamens present.


Full rose [full double] all the stamens and carpels have developed into petals resembling the original guard petals. 'Mme Lemonier'


Help me find Peony site


http://www.helpmefind.com/peony/index.ph...





Try Alice Harding's book 'The Peony' She covers 125 in specific.


She lists 8 floral forms. Yours are either full rose or semi rose also called full double or semi-double herbaceous peonies.


She lists 'Bridal Icing', 'White Ivory' 'Avalanche', Baroness Schroeder', 'Duchess de Nemours', Festiva Maxima' [I have these last two and festiva has red flecks in the center], 'James Kelway', 'La Tendresse', 'Madame Crousse', Marie Jacquin', 'Marie Lemoine', 'Mireille', 'Monsieur Dupont', 'Stephania' as top all white peonies.


The reason for two colors is usually a branch will mutate so you see two flowers one one bush. Roses also do this. It may be that your plant was a sport of another and has reverted to the parental form. Or you may have a new plant seeded in so close it seems to be one plant. .http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_perennials/a...





Weak Flower Stems means either deficient soil or excess shade,


Weak stems that do not stand up well when the blossoms are out indicate either a weak stemmed variety, a phosphorus deficiency, or the plant is in too much shade. Fertilize with a balanced, high-phosphorus fertilizer. That is the P of N-P-K. Give the plants bone meal. One handful scratched into the soil. Peonies should be fed with a 5-10-10 in early spring and again halfway through the growing season.


If the plant is in shade, move it to a sunny location. If the problem persists, you may have to either stake the flower stems or try another variety.


Peony support ring


http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.asp...


http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.asp...


http://www.backyardstyle.com/shop/plants...


http://www.rachelsrobin.com/shop/index.p...
Reply:Peonies are absolutely heavenly scented flowers. My mom has a huge shrub and every summer it produces so many flowers that she eventually clipped some off and placed in a bowl of water at home. Sadly, they all droop to the ground because of the weight.


Anyways, "every other year, fertilize peonies with 5-10-5. Do not fertilize every year, as the roots can be burned when too much is added."





"Peonies can remain in the earth for years. After ten years, they may be divided in the fall, if the process is completed carefully. Measure eight to ten inches out from the plant and begin to dig. Separate roots with a sharp knife or other instrument. Each division taken should have between five and eight eyes. Keep new divisions in a shady area and do not allow them to become dry. However, they should not be kept wet. Moisture is the key. "





"Ants are not necessary for a peony to bloom. This tale has been going around for years, but it is a myth. Ants are attracted to peonies because of the nectar they produce while in bud. Ants are not harmful to peonies and there is no need to spray them. "








P.S. I'm looking for the type of your peonies, but no luck so far.
Reply:Could not see your link but I have peonies and you probably know that they are a bulb root. They are huge and lovely. just take a stick and loosely tie the stem or the stalk. Next year dig the bulbs up and transplant them and they shouldn`t be so heavy! Good Luck to you!
Reply:Certainly you have peonies, and they will live for decades. I have one I bought 35 years ago and have moved it from home to home. You are fortunate to have two plants growing together-a red and white or pink, hard to tell in the picture. Anyway, if you do move them, do so in late fall after the foliage turns yellow, dig deep around the plants as the roots do go down a ways. They are not a bulb, but tuberous roots. When you dig them up, you should be able to split the roots apart. You might want to label the stems now at the bottom so you will know which is which color. Use a twist tie, for example. If each of the plants you have are fairly healthy you can probably get at least 2 out of each. They get bigger and bloom more as they age. My oldest plant this year had well over 120 blooms on it. I always cut off the flower stems after they start drying up, cut down below the leaves so you will have a nice foliage plant for the rest of the growing season.


One big note when moving: when you go to dig up the plant, note how deep down the crown or top of the roots are- probably about an inch. Plant your divided plants exactly as deep as they were before--too shallow or too deep, and they will absolutely refuse to bloom--about the only picky thing about these wonderful plants.
Reply:After they stop blooming you can move them I have split one now have 5, I dont do much for them You dont have to cut them back or anything pretty much take care of them selves Just pick some and bring them in the house I love smelling them But make sure you dont bring any ants in with you . They will smell your house up .
Reply:just to add...you don't really want to put these against your house, as the ants needed to eat the sugar on the outside of the buds in order to flower, need someplace to go after the flowers are done. if the closest place with crumbs is the house...why not?
Reply:Peonies are lovely. They need black ants for the buds to open. Sounds like you have a beautiful plant, like mine. Pretty much leave them alone. My husband almost killed mine by running it over repeatedly with the mower. I wanted to kill him. It has come back again. We moved in our house in November and when spring came...we were like....wow, what is that? I was thrilled to see the pretty white and pink ruffles inside one of the flowers. Enjoy. Sorry, don't know when you can transplant them.
Reply:when you transplant them, they need a year to flower again. I moved mine last April and did not have flowers last year. I have wonderful flowers now. Move them in the fall.


Stake them and secure rags around them, not wire. Rain makes them brown...bummer, mine are brown right now.


I have had them in every house I have lived in- I take them, or a portion of them with me to every house. Mine are almost 30 years old.


What would be the most flattering top with pink short shorts?

http://shop.pacsun.com/girls/shorts/shor...


Like this


I'm 13 years old so nothing top reavealing. or low cut.

What would be the most flattering top with pink short shorts?
a plain, simple t-shirt to make the shorts stand out. white works well. maybe yellow? but a very very light yellow.
Reply:maybe a boat neck white tee or like, a white tank.
Reply:those are really cute shorts!!! i would go with a white tanktop or shirt. white or cream color.
Reply:THOSE SHORTS ARE UGLY!


Get slutty!
Reply:long sleeve / light material white shirt or close fitting white tshirt......good luck

Hotel Blu

Can You Name Some "cottagey" Plants I Loved up North I Can Grow Here in Tampa?

I loved my cottage garden in Maine, all the colors and textures! Here in Florida (zone 9b) I seem to only have "plants" as my daughter calls them, not "flowers". I miss my peonies, tulips, bearded irises, oriental poppies and lilies.....are there substitutes for these colorful plants I can grow down here?

Can You Name Some "cottagey" Plants I Loved up North I Can Grow Here in Tampa?
The first post lists great plants, but they may not like the humidity in Florida. Try other types of lillies: crinum, spider, tiger, etc. Also try cannas, ruellia, knockout roses, and for shady areas, the annual impatiens are beautiful!
Reply:Because of the heat and the humidity, you can grow many tropical flowers. Many of these will bloom most of the year!





Good Luck!!
Reply:I should think these would do well in Florida they are all sun loving plants.


Butterfly bush


Bee Balm


Roses


Gaillardia


Coreopsis


Books in the setting of china?

I have recently read lisa sees snow flower... and peony in love. also the russian concubine by kate furnivall. Now I have the urge to read more books in the setting of china, like the 3 I just read. Suggestions?

Books in the setting of china?
Theres an autobiography called Chinese cinderella and its sequels; Falling Leaves and Chinese cinderella and the secret dragon society (by Adeline yen Mah)


Theres also a book called the secrets of Jin Shi, thats set in medieval china though and encourperates fantasy (by Alma Alexander)
Reply:oh!! you HAVE to read Empress Orchid by Anchee Min





its so freaking kool...!
Reply:I think one of the best books, I've read set in China, was the autobiographyWild Swans: Three Daughters of China, by Jung Chang.
Reply:The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck it is a novel of family life in village China. You will learn more about China and its culture and tradition... try it...
Reply:"Ties That Bind, Ties That Break", and its seaqul "An Ocean Apart, a World Away" by Lensey Namioka. I read them in seventh grade, so they're good for young adult reading, but I'd read them again. These were very good books.


Will my peonies bloom again in the fall and how do I prepare them for winter?

I have never seen peoinies bloom again in the fall.. And mine i just mow off when they start to fall over and look bad.. no preparing. unless you want to put some fresh potting soil on top of them where you cut them off.


they should be very happy and bloom really well next spring again


Only put a couple inches potting soil on them for over winter..


works great .. hope they come back very pretty again for next year.

Will my peonies bloom again in the fall and how do I prepare them for winter?
No, cut them back to about 1-2" and cover with compost.
Reply:I agree 100% with Sandy F - I do the same thing - I mow them over when they fall and shrivle up.
Reply:They won't flower again but will die back. Cut off the dead leaves and cover with a 2 inch thick mulch. They'll be back stronger the following year.


Can 50 year old peonies be divided?

We have some peonies that my Mother planted around 50-60 years ago. They are next to the east side of the house and there is a row of elm trees the other side of the drive about 20-30 feet away. These trees were mature when the peonies were planted. They have always been in the same spot and have never been divided. They were always beautiful with abundant blooms the first 40-50 years or so, some white with a little dark pink in the center and some a lovely dark rose color. The last 10 years they have not bloomed. The folige seems fine. We would like to move them and share them among the family members, if we knew how to get them to bloom again. (Even Mom's flowers loose their appeal with no blooms.) If we dig and divide them this fall, will they be revitalized as new plants? I read that peonies live "50 years or more". My question is: Then what? Are these plants used up and too old to grow? What can we do to have blooms again? Thanks for any help you can give us.

Can 50 year old peonies be divided?
I just spoke to a greenhouse plant person about Peonies. They do live about 50 years, and they only grow to a certain root ball size. Dividing them may revitalize them. Just dig up the root and separate it roughly even. You should be able to transplant them. But on the other side, they may have just reached the end of their life span. I recommend asking at a professional greenhouse about it. You should be able to just call them on the phone.


Some good info here:http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/...
Reply:divide your plants maybe they are so root bound that they have used up all the nutrients in the soil where they are buried when you split them up fertilize them with a good all around fertilizer...maybe with a little more of the the middle number on the fertizer...example 20 30 20...ask the greenhouse one is for blooms....this plant should produce more blooms over time....happy planting
Reply:Peonies have been known to live for over 100 years. They never need to be divided but you can if you want more in other places. They like full sun so over the past 10 years have trees grown that have shaded the spot? Also you may want to fertilize. When replanting be sure not to plant more than 2 inches below the soil, they will not bloom. Also it can take up to 2 years for the new plants to bloom.
Reply:i think they could be, although i have never divided ones that old. i would try dividing a few of them, as well as asking someone at a garden center that is knowledgeable. i would think that dividing them would revitalize them. good luck!
Reply:I actually don't know, but try www.hgtv.com (Home and Garden TV). They have a great Q %26amp; A forum. Good Luck!
Reply:This fall you could divide them but after they die back. Then don't divide they in Small batches. They come from a root not a bulb. So try to get all of ones root. I haven't heard anything about how long plans live so I hope this helps.
Reply:well....................................... are going to have to go back 50 years ago.............in conclusion yes!!!!

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What does dead heading peonies mean?

When removing wilted or dead blooms from most flowering plants (ie. dead-heading), pinch or cut bloom and its supportive stem back to the next full set of leaves on that stem. This works with geraniums, impatiens, kalanchoes, etc., even tomato plants! See back issues of Southern Living magazines under 'Garden Checklist', a section in each monthly issue. That section addresses similar questions year-round and it doesn't matter which year issue you look in, just look at the months that are applicable to your growing/blooming season. Makes for good reading in most doctor's offices or hair salon anyway, because those places usually have lots of back issues of magazines!!

What does dead heading peonies mean?
You remove the dead flowers so new flowers can grow in their place.
Reply:Cutting the old blooms off. It won't make alot of difference to peonies as they only bloom once a year. I just do it to tidy up but I cut my bushes right back at the end of the summer to give the new growth a chance.
Reply:It means to gently pinch off the dead flower right beneath the bloom. It helps promote more blooming. This is however not the case in all flowers.
Reply:Isn't that from the Godfather when the horses head is in that guy's bed?
Reply:removing the dead flowers so the plant can use it's energy to grow new ones
Reply:cutting the spent bloom off deadheading...it will not create more blooms..peonies are perennials and only bloom once a year.





also you can leave the bloom on and not remove it to see if it goes to seed...it the peony flower does produces seeds than either later this summer or next year you will have several more peonies come up but if the wind blows the seeds you will have to watch an area about 10 ft in diameter around the plant for new peonies coming up.





my mom has a few that she lets seeds every year and that is where i keep getting all my peonies at...she currently has 30-40+ peonies that came from seed because they are coming up where she did not have any peonies at and they are a few feet from the mother plant





hope this helps
Reply:pinching the dead flowers off, so ,new ones will bloom
Reply:Cheering up tired borders needs a two-pronged approach. First, deal with the shabby plants. Cut off the tops of anything perennial – peonies, acanthus, lupins – that’s really past it. Then do some serious dead-heading. Go through the roses and irises and hostas, taking off raddled remains and withering stems. Pull out or chop down most of the spent foxgloves and opium poppies, leaving just a few to self-sow.
Reply:plucking dead flowers off
Reply:taking the dead flower off of the plant to make new ones grow, the more dead ones you pick the more new ones grow


Are my plants salvageable?

I live in Chicago and the weather has been extremely crazy~ and cold. My lilac bushes, clematis, peonies and other annuals had started to bloom and now appear wilted even thoough I managed to cover them the day after it became bitterly cold. Do you guys think that they will make it or die? What else should I do?

Are my plants salvageable?
you sound like you did all the right things and all that you can do!


It is all up to nature now!


they may not do good this season because of this but next yr. will be here soon and they should come back o.k.
Reply:they may frost back and resprout later in the season.


welcome to global warming. In florida, it was 89 degrees tuesday and 45 degrees now at 9 on saturday night
Reply:They'll be fine. You might not see any blooms this year but they'll survive.


How deep should I plant my peonies?

just plant them deep enough to get the root ball in the ground ,about 2-3 inches deep, after planting fertilize and don't forget to give them a support ring if you will . once they grow out the heads will need support ,so they don;t droop to the ground. Mine are staked and look beautiful when the heads are open and supported.

How deep should I plant my peonies?
I'm in the South so here is what we do. We plant them about 2 inches deep and then cover with fresh potting soil mix. They will also multiply at times.
Reply:Deep enough to completely cover all rysome(root)
Reply:Soak the peonies; dig big root ball - packing the dirt toward the plant center with shovel as you dig. Put into large pot or burlap. Put compost into the new hole (prep the new area as early as possible with compost). Replant as soon as possible, being careful not plant deeply. Water well. She also recommended shading the plants during midday for awhile after the transplant.








For more details contact link: http://forums.gardenweb.com


I bought a few bags of peonies last year and didn't plant them, if I plant them this year will they grow?

I kept the unplanted bags of peonies in a cool dry place all year long.

I bought a few bags of peonies last year and didn't plant them, if I plant them this year will they grow?
You can try. I planted some last year and thought they completely died as nothing at all happened, then what do you know two weeks ago they started growing and are now about 6 inches high! Can't wait to pick my own bundles of them instead of stealing from my MIL's bushes! Follow planting instructions and don't give up hope til next spring!
Reply:I don't have a lot of knowledge about peonies, but since they're bulbs I'm pretty sure that they will grow. Some bulbs are even meant to be stored all winter but you probably already know that. :)

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Best perennials for clay soil?

I have two very small beds in front of my townhouse and am "starting small" in gardening. These beds get full sun all day long and i don't have any other space to work with. Of the material that i put in last year, only my irises, daylilies, leucanthemums (shasta daisies), and peonies have come back so far.





Any suggestions for low-growers to fill in the front portions of the beds, that will thrive in clay soil and full sun?

Best perennials for clay soil?
Oxalis. Great small blooms and nothing bothers them. Creeping phlox if you want a really low grower, though it just blooms in spring. But has a good green color as a carpeting plant. For an annual, california poppies or dwarf zinnias, or petunias. All grow well in clay.
Reply:This site lists a lot of different flowers and grasses, and even gives the zones.
Reply:Lirope, known as monkey grass or mondo grass, or colorful annuals, such as petunias. Your soil must not be to bad if you can grow peonies in it, which I love!
Reply:Cacti


When is the best time to plant Peonies?

Best time to transplant and separate them in August, if they are already potted then they can be planted in the spring or fall.





Good Luck!

When is the best time to plant Peonies?
Plant Peonies two weeks after the pecans trees start to sprout out and you will be safe.


Hope they do well this year.


When will my larkspur and poppies bloom? tips?

i planted larkspur and peony poppies in my garden this week and last week. i live in zone 4/5, their in all sun and they get lots of water.. when should they bloom? thanks.

When will my larkspur and poppies bloom? tips?
If the larkspur are from seeds, it says on my package of larkspur seeds that they take 14-21 days to germination and 70-80 days to maturity. hope that helps.


What is freony peony?

Superman? You know who the thumbs down guy is? Tell me tell me !!! hehehe!!!





I think freony peony means liar...i dunno ..may be wrong

What is freony peony?
It's a type of tree (I think)
Reply:a name of a pony?
Reply:Is it a flower ?????.....

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Questions about poppies? and cup and saucer vine?

i have a couple packets of poppy seeds, its poppy somiferium... their called peony poppies on the packets. it says a lot of different ways to sow so i sown them last week in the garden directly, and im planting more tomorrow. when should they bloom? any tips? and i planted my cup and saucer vine seeds today.. when should they bloom? thx.. i live in zone 4/5 ontario canada.

Questions about poppies? and cup and saucer vine?
About 90 days for the poppy, the cup and saucer about the same time, maybe a little earlier


I need a flower that looks like a peony.?

My wedding is in September and I had my heart set on pink peonies and brown dahlias. I was told there not in season in sept. so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about flowers that look similar. Thanks.

I need a flower that looks like a peony.?
Try cabbage roses, they are beautiful and peony-like.





http://cutrose.com/pics/pink_cabbage_ros...
Reply:I love peonies, too. Ranunculus looks similar, but alas, also not in season.





I am doing a dark calla lily called "Naomi." It almost looks brown. Google it.





I am also using dahlias. You could use a pink one. I actually didn't know there was a brown dahlia...I looked for one, though.





You could also do roses-full roses.





Good luck!
Reply:How 'bout a double-petaled rose? They are very full and have multiple layers, similar to a peony.





http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarbearst...





Or hibiscus? Same delicate petal, but not multi-layered. Will take creativity from your florist to make it last in a bouquet though.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/rareimageph...
Reply:These are called Double Peony Tulips...they come in manydifferent colors including pink and look verys imilar to peonies hence the name :)





http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...
Reply:What about a pink mum or a pink carnation?


Here is a picture of the pink mum's


http://thumbs.photo.net/photo/6176657-sm...


Pink Carnations:


http://www.flowersociety.com/images/flow...
Reply:Camelias


http://members.aol.com/nlovwthu/CAM.htm


Some varieties of chrysanthemums might work -


http://images.google.ca/images?um=1%26amp;hl=e...


Saturday, November 14, 2009

Is it ok to cut down my peonies now that they are done blooming?

I would wait until fall, when the growth has died back a bit, that way, the plant will have conserved enough energy for it to bloom the next year.

Is it ok to cut down my peonies now that they are done blooming?
My pleasure, Mam!





Thank you and have a nice day! Report It

Reply:For now just dis-bud them. They need to continue to store food in their below ground system. Cut them down when they begin to die back for the winter.
Reply:Yes, they really look bad in post-bloom.
Reply:It is not recommended. If you did cut them now, you would still get peonies next year, but they would not be as full. It would be best to leave the green stems, they are still helping the roots to reproduce. The best time to cut them back is in the fall, or at least wait until the stems turn brown. They are like the daffodils and tulips, even after done blooming, you want to leave the stems as long as they are green to help the bulbs grow. You may cut them enough to look neat, just don't cut them all the way to the ground yet.





Good luck!
Reply:yes it is .all they are doing now reproducing.


My peonies and bleeding hearts are not coming up?????

I planted them both in early April (appox 6 weeks ago) from a bulb and neither of them are coming up. I planted them both with a compost mix with bonemeal about 1- 2 inches under the top soil.





Any input on what is happening?





Thanks in advance

My peonies and bleeding hearts are not coming up?????
Bleeding heart is not a bulb, it's a fibrous rooted plant. Just leave them alone, perhaps the soil was cold when you planted them. There is still loads of time for the to show through.
Reply:Peonies need to be planted fairly shallow. The "eyes" should be just barely covered. If you think you may have planted them too deeply, you can gently remove some of the soil over them until you can see if there is any growth.
Reply:Bleeding hearts comes from seeds...I'm not sure what bulb you are referring to. If you planted seeds, BH seeds need to be kept in the fridge for around 6 weeks before starting them. They very well may come up next Spring though so don't give up hope.
Reply:Are you watering?? I know I know. Lame question to ask....but by now you should have something popping up. Perhaps you have underground varmits eating them!!


What plants won't my rabbit eat?

I have a pond area that has been planted with alpines, peonies lobeilia and ivy.I have tried various other plants but my pet rabbit has eaten them using the pond area as an alfresco diner!!!What plants could i use that my rabbit won't eat ? The area is shaded in the morning but receives full sun from 12pm onwards.

What plants won't my rabbit eat?
I suggest to plant a succulent like cactus.
Reply:There is almost nothing you can plant that a rabbit will not eat. The only way is to fence the plants off from the Rabbit, or fence the Rabbit off from the plants.
Reply:plastic ones they are easy to maintain and they requir no sun or food but you could just let him fatten himself up and make a nice rabbit stew

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Cutting Garden recommendations?

I am planning on putting in a cutting garden and I'm looking for recommendations for flowers. So far I think I'll have some Daffodils/Narcisuss %26amp; tulips for Spring, Peonies, Poppies %26amp; Asiatic Lilies for June and Oriental Lilies for July. I will also put in some Foxglove, Cleomi and some Cone Flower. I would like some idea for other flowers, especially those that bloom later in the Summer and into the Fall.

Cutting Garden recommendations?
Here is a site with a huge list of flowers that are ideal for cuttings.


http://gardening.about.com/od/roses/a/Cu...
Reply:These flowers bloom up intill Nov. where I live-


Roses, Zinnias, Dahlias, Mums, Geraniums.


How can I order peonies for delivery to a location in Texas on Valentine's day? Anybody know of any florists?

Anybody know of any florists or websites that can help? I tried proflowers and it said Peonies are out of season. Any guidance would be appeciated. Thanks!

How can I order peonies for delivery to a location in Texas on Valentine's day? Anybody know of any florists?
try this..


http://www.locateaflowershop.com/





http://www.bloomendirect.com/search/usa-...





give someone a call..ask what they've got..





good luck..


you can't go with other flowers can you? if you can...do so...
Reply:ok this is what you do: you go to findaflorist.com and find all the florists in their area - now, you need to do it TOMORROW because the florists you call will need to order in the peonies JUST for you - they will not have them cuz right now they are only thinking about roses. You tell them you are willing to buy a box of peonies (however they come to the florist bec. they cant just buy single stems) and that you know that when they call their floral wholesaler, there may be a minimum qty that they have to buy and you are fine with that BUT can they FIND any peonies that are available? if you approach it that way and let them know that you KNOW how busy they are but that this is a serious inquiry and you are willing to pay the price, you will find a florist to help you... but if you just call and dont take into consideration how busy they are this time of yr then you will get a lot of ppl saying they cant get them this time of yr. Let them know this is a serious inquiry and that if they tell you they can do it, you are ready with your cc number. in my opinion for a nice bouquet of peonies (which is my fav flower btw) in a vase, delivered, this time of yr.... on valentine's day... you should expect to pay about 85.00 with delivery - if you arent willing, forget it - the florists wont waste their time - im not trying to be harsh but any florist can tell you that their focus will not be on these odd requests this time of year- they are selling VOLUME with the roses now and it takes a lot more time to fill a request like yours so you should be willing to pay for it. good luck - i think its so sweet that u are trying to get peonies.
Reply:maybe teleflora.com or try 1-800-flowers.com
Reply:1800 flowers.com am a female and i was just looking at there web site and they have great things for just a little money but if your willing to spend how ever much it takes they all it all from flowers in vase and candy with teddy bears which i love a little sad SAM with roses and am a grow woman well any ways that's something you can do on line are you can get here a really nice red dress take her out to dinner she would love that all so most woman really dint care its the thought that count good luck
Reply:grow some. jk...it might be cute if you made her a card and included a packet of peony seeds, and let her know you want them to grow like your love, or something cheesy and cute like that :)