Greetings, aspiring cultivator. We, the Itoh peonies, are a hybrid blend of the robust herbaceous peony and the elegant tree peony. This grants us the best of both worlds: the die-back habit of one and the magnificent, large flowers of the other. To help us thrive and showcase our full potential, please follow these core principles of care, explained from our perspective.
Our long-term health is utterly dependent on a proper start. Our roots are our greatest treasure, storing energy for magnificent blooms. You must choose a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight; without it, our stems will weaken, and blooms will be sparse. The soil must be well-draining yet rich. We abhor "wet feet," as sitting in water will cause our precious roots to rot. Please dig a wide, shallow hole and position our eyes (those pinkish buds on the root crown) no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. Planting us too deeply is the most common mistake and will prevent us from flowering.
We are not heavy feeders, but a thoughtful meal in early spring as we break dormancy is greatly appreciated. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one specifically formulated for roses or peonies is ideal. It should have a good balance of nutrients to support not just our spectacular flowers but also our strong foliage and root system. Please avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will promote weak, leafy growth at the expense of our blooms. A light top-dressing with compost is also a welcome treat.
While we are drought-tolerant once established, consistent moisture is key, especially in our first year and during the bud formation and flowering period. We prefer a deep, thorough watering that reaches our entire root zone rather than frequent, light sprinklings. This encourages our roots to grow deep and strong. Always water us at the base, avoiding our foliage, as wet leaves can invite fungal diseases. A layer of mulch around our base (keeping it away from the stem) will help conserve this precious moisture and keep our roots cool.
Our flowers are incredibly large and heavy, often the size of dinner plates. Our stems, while strong, can struggle under this weight, especially after a rain. To prevent us from collapsing onto the soil—which can damage our flowers and invite pests—please provide a peony ring or other supportive cage early in the season. Install it as we begin to grow in spring so our foliage can grow through and conceal it, maintaining a natural appearance while offering crucial support.
Our care differs by season. In late fall, after a hard frost has blackened our foliage, you should cut our stems down to just above ground level. This tidy-up removes potential disease and allows us to enter winter dormancy cleanly. Come spring, you need do nothing but watch us emerge. After our flowering spectacle is over, deadhead (remove) the spent blooms. This prevents us from wasting energy on producing seed and instead directs it back into our roots for next year's display. Do not remove the foliage, as it is vital for photosynthesis.
