Peonies are just as popular today as they were m our great-grandmother’s day. Their continued esteem by gardeners is easy to understand when we consider the beauty of their flowers, the fragrance possessed by many varieties, their good foliage and their performance when properly planted.
In view of their sterling long-lasting qualities peonies rate a little extra attention in the way of site selection and soil preparation.
Select, if possible, a location in full sun well away from the competition of tree and shrub roots.
Adequate under-drainage of the soil is essential. Prepare for planting by digging a hole 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep. Spread 2 or 3 inches of rotted manure, compost or peatmoss in the bottom and fork it into the subsoil. If peatmoss is used mix pulverized limestone with it – 1/2 pound to a bushel.
Tramp the loosened soil firmly, mix 1/2 pound bone: meal with the excavated soil and put enough of it in the hole, tramped down, so that when the root is placed on it the growth buds or eyes at the top of the root are 2 inches below the finished grade. (The object of all this tramping is to prevent the root from sinking as the soil settles.) Then pack soil firmly in between and over the roots, barely covering the buds, pour in a pailful of water and, when it has drained, fill in remaining soil.
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