Description

The very colourful and romantic Paeony Roses require a cold wintering period to fully aid dormancy and promote new growth in spring. Naturally they will grow best in cool to temperate areas in the more southern and mountain areas of Australia, however they can be grown quite successfully in the warmer areas provided the base and roots of the plants are given some artificial cooling in the winter. This can be done by laying down some block ice or chilling pads over the ground for a few weeks in the immediate root area. Herbaceous Paeonies take around one to two years to become established and produce flowers and grow to a height of around one metre. They die back to the ground each autumn and reappear in late winter to flower in late spring / mid Summer.

Cultivation

• Well drained soil with plenty of organic matter and a ph level in the Alkaline range to around 7 or 7.5.
• Where the soil is less than 7 to 7.5, add a good dose of dolomite or ground limestone at planting and each year as a side dressing.
• Cool to cold winters and mild spring.
• Bright morning sun position.
• Protected or sheltered position away from strong winds and scorching afternoon sun.
• Mulching to protect and cool the roots.
• Yearly side dressing of blood & bone or old cow manure.
• Additional watering in very dry weather.
• Apply a yearly slow release fertilizer low in Nitrogen.