Friday, November 18, 2011

Peony Planting?

My mom just bought me four peonies (they look like big bulbs, not sure?). I live in Greenville, SC and we are having warm weather with lots of rain. Can I still plant these? Will they grow this year? Any replies would be great. Also she bought me a pack of "hardy" gladiolas that do not need to be dug up each year. Can I plant those as well?

Peony Planting?
Strangely, people do buy them in the spring and then plant them in the fall, but they might bloom. I would plant them - the little eye buds should be just barely under the surface. They should at least grow this year and they may flower.


Hardy glads should do OK - they do like some cold, so do not plant them deeper than with their tops a few inches under the soil. They glads may be a little "iffy" - some bulbs just like it a little cooler so they are uncertain in warmer climates. Any of these may take a year or so to really produce well - they tend to sell the bulbs younger and younger each year. If these are nice fat bulbs, you are more likely to get some production this year. If they seem a little thin and lean, they may take a year or two to fully mature. But plant them all - the glad will tolerate some light shade quite well in your climate - peonies like sun, but can take a little light shade as well.


Peonies smell like rose-scent does. Glads are nice big spikes you can cut and bring in or leave to make a nice 24" to 30" tall show. Enjoy.
Reply:Ideally, you would have planted them in the fall. You should plant them as soon as possible. If you don't get them in the ground, it's not likely they would last a whole season and still be alive. They will grow this year, the same as an established plant. They die back every year and re-emerge in the spring. The same is pretty much true for the glads.





Make sure you plant the bulbs upright-- not upside down. If you're not sure which side the roots will be on (the down-side) then check with a garden specialist at a nursery. (And don't plant the peonies too close together-- they get pretty big.)
Reply:Peonies have a reputation for being hard to transplant. To ensure survival, dig a hole twice the size you think sufficient, loosen the soil with compost or peat moss, toss with starter fertilizer and water vigorously to get them going and your grandkids will be enjoying those peonies.


No comments:

Post a Comment