How to Care for Peony Plants

Overview

Peony plants make a good addition to a garden as they are easy to grow and easy to care for. Peonies are not a good plant for warmer climates and they require areas with a winter chill in order to thrive and properly bloom, according to Backyard Garden and Patio. After planting in a sunny spot in the garden, take a few simple steps during the year to maintain healthy and flowering peony plants.

Step 1

Fertilize the soil around the peony plants in early spring or midsummer with low nitrogen fertilizer. Do not allow fertilizer to directly contact the plants.

Step 2

Mulch peony plants in the spring. This will keep the soil around the peony plants hydrated.

Step 3

Water the peony plants frequently. Keep soil moist and do not over water.

Step 4

Stake large peony stalks with gardening stakes to avoid letting the stalks touch the ground. This will also prevent bending and breaking of the plant.

Step 5

Prune the peony plants after the first frost. Using pruning shears or gardening scissors, cut the peony stems to 3 inches in length. Remove dead leaves and foliage. This will prevent infection to the peony plant as old foliage can harbor fungal diseases, according to Flower Gardening Made Easy.

Step 6

Add fresh mulch in the winter for protection from the cold.