Peony

Peony plants are growable in zones 2-9. Plant bare-root peony plants in fall. All you’ll see is a crown with roots dangling beneath it. Dig a shallow hole, spread the roots apart and set the peony plant in the hole. Take note of the buds, which look like the “eyes” on potatoes. The buds should rest only 2″ under the surface when you are done planting, otherwise, you may have trouble getting your peony plants to bloom properly. For potted peony plants, a spring planting is suitable.

If possible, try to grow peony plants near entrances, where their fragrance can be most readily enjoyed. While their blooming period is tantalizingly short, even the foliage of peony plants is sufficiently attractive to warrant planting in a cozy corner near the doorstep. The peony plants with double flowers tend to be the most fragrant. To extend the blooming season, “stagger” your selection of varieties. That is, select some that bloom early, others late, and still others that bloom sometime in between.

As if stunning beauty and heady fragrance weren’t enough, peony plants are also exceedingly long-lived. Peony plants are unlike many other perennials, in that they do not need to be divided on a regular basis. In fact, they dislike being disturbed.