| Hello, I was given a peonie tree as a gift and I live in Boston. It is in a burlap bag. When is the best time for me to plant it? How should I prepare the soil? How should I care ofr it while it is small? What should I do to protect it this winter? Thank you, Lynda Parham |
| Tree peonies are hardy in your gardening region and can be planted in the spring, after your last average frost date. Choose a sunny to partially shaded site. Tree peonies tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but do best with soil that?s high in organic matter to help provide the nutrients needed for blooming. Add compost to your garden soil and mix well prior to planting your tree peony. Tree Peonies are grafted plants. Plant the graft union 4 to 6 inches below the soil surface. This helps the plant develop its own roots in addition to the grafted roots. The graft union looks like a bulge on the main stem just above the roots. After planting, only an inch or two of the woody stem should show above the ground. Tree Peonies are slow-growing plants that reach mature size in 5 to 10 years. Try not to transplant them, as this will slow their growth as they reastablish their roots in the new location. Tree Peonies can live up to 100 years or more! Don?t add fertilizer right after planting. Wait a month and then use a well-balanced, natural or organic granular fertilizer applied to the soil surface. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package. Also add a shovel full or two of compost around the base of the plant to add organic matter, improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients. Best wishes with your new tree peony. |
