You might be looking forward to seeing your pretty pink peonies bloom in time for summer, but experts caution gardeners to avoid making this mistake when growing these flowers
As temperatures across the UK soar, gardeners have been warned to look out for their peonies as these delicate flowers don’t love the heat. Luckily, there is one effective way to cool them down that many gardeners aren’t aware of.
Most of us are gearing up for a warm summer. The UK saw the hottest start to May on record this year, with millions of Brits enjoying the blast of sun. It also means more of us are spending time in our gardens, from hosting barbecues to cultivating plants. Unfortunately, there are some flowers, like peonies, that aren’t enjoying the heat.
Peonies are popular garden plants that typically flower between April and June. They are known for their delicate petals which range from a soft blush to a deep pink colour.
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They’re also famous for being able to withstand the cool British climate. In fact, peonies actually prefer cold temperatures and require a chilling period while dormant to flower properly.
Therefore, the increased temperature means that conditions may not be as optimal for them to grow. If peonies are in an environment that is too humid or warm, they may not blossom reliably.
So, how do you create a chilling period for peonies in warmer weather? Fortunately, according to flower expert David Denyer from Eflorist, all you need is ice.
David says: “This method applies specifically to garden-grown, non-cut peonies — the kind planted in borders or beds. Peonies require winter chill to reset and set buds for the following year.”
Ice can be a quick and reliable way to cool plants down. He continues: “In areas of the UK where winter temperatures no longer reliably drop low enough, placing ice around the base of the plant during dormancy can help trigger that necessary cold response.”
Ice should be applied during the plant’s dormant phase, which typically between late November and February. David says: “Place a few ice cubes directly onto the soil above the roots, avoiding the crown and stems.”
He adds that this should be repeated every few days for several weeks during mild winters. Although, he warns: “Ensure your planting area has excellent drainage to avoid waterlogging from meltwater, which can cause rot.”
Other tips for keeping your peonies lush and healthy include planting them in spots where they will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. This will help keep them cool.
Equally, using compost or natural mulch will help the plants retain moisture during hotter periods. In event of dry spells, you should also water the base of the plant deeply.
Another option is to buy heat-tolerant peonies, like Bowl of Beauty or Coral Charm. These are much better adapted to withstand fluctuating temperatures.
