How to Grow Gorgeous Peonies in Containers

Peonies are one of the most beloved flowers in the garden. Their lush, full blooms and delightful fragrance make them a quintessential flower for any gardener. Though peonies are most commonly grown directly in garden beds, did you know you can also successfully grow peonies in containers?

Container gardening with peonies offers many advantages. It allows you to bring these beauties up close on your patio deck or front steps. Container grown peonies are also perfect if you have limited garden space. And for gardeners in cold climates, planting peonies in pots enables you to more easily protect the plants through frigid winters.

Growing peonies in containers is an easy endeavor as long as you follow some key tips. In this article we will cover everything you need to know about choosing the right pot, soil, location, and care for thriving container grown peonies.

Choosing the Right Pot for Peonies

The first step in growing peonies in pots is selecting an appropriate container As peonies have very large root systems, you need to accommodate their below ground growth. Here are some tips for picking the perfect pot for your peony

• Use a large container – Pick a pot that is at least 18-24 inches wide and deep. This will provide enough room as the roots expand.

• Ensure adequate drainage – Peonies do not tolerate wet feet. Make sure your container has sufficient drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

• Pick a durable material – For outdoor growing, choose a pot made of plastic, ceramic, concrete or metal that can withstand extreme temperatures.

• Use a lighter color – Light colored pots help prevent overheating of the roots in very hot climates.

• Add weight for stability – Look for a heavy container or place some rocks in the bottom to keep pots from tipping over as the peony grows.

The Right Soil Mix for Peonies

Peonies thrive in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Here is an ideal potting mix to use:

• Potting soil – Use a quality potting mix as your base, instead of garden soil which may be too heavy.

• Compost – Incorporate compost which provides nutrients and improves drainage.

• Perlite or sand – Add perlite or sand to further enhance drainage.

• Slow release fertilizer – Mix in a slow release granular fertilizer to provide nutrients over time.

Prepare your soil mix ahead of time, before planting your peony. Do not plant in overly wet soil, it should be moist but not sopping.

Where to Position Your Potted Peonies

One of the benefits of growing peonies in containers is you can move them anywhere you like. But you do need to position them properly to support vigorous growth. Here are some placement tips:

• Sunlight – Peonies require full sun, at least 6 hours per day. Less sun will result in reduced flowering.

• Wind protection – Shelter your potted peony from strong winds which can damage the stems and flowers.

• Nearby seating – Place pots near seating areas so you can admire the gorgeous blooms up close!

• Proper spacing – Allow at least 3 feet between peony containers to prevent overcrowding as plants mature.

• Elevated surfaces – Position containers on tables, stands or blocks to prevent water collecting at the base of pots.

Move potted peonies around until you find the ideal sunny, protected spot before they begin growing in spring.

Planting Peonies in Containers

Once you have your pot and soil prepared, it’s time to plant! Follow these tips for properly transplanting your peony into the container:

• Bare root or potted – You can plant bare root divisions or potted peonies in fall or early spring.

• Plant at proper depth – Plant the peony roots or crown 1-2 inches below the soil surface.

• Leave growth room – Allow 3-4 inches between the top of the soil and the pot’s rim for future growth.

• Water thoroughly – Water well after planting to remove any air pockets and settle the soil.

• Add mulch (optional) – Top with an organic mulch like bark or compost to retain moisture.

• No fertilizer at planting – Wait to fertilize container peonies until growth resumes in spring.

Follow proper planting techniques to get your container grown peony established correctly right from the start.

Caring for Potted Peonies

With the right growing conditions, peonies are relatively easy to care for. Here are tips for keeping your container peonies healthy and vigorous all season:

• Water 1-2 times per week – Check soil regularly and water when the top few inches become dry.

• Fertilize in spring – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer when growth resumes.

• Monitor for pests – Watch for signs of common peony pests like botrytis, powdery mildew and leaf spot.

• Stake flowers – Add stakes or a support ring to keep heavy blooms upright.

• Deadhead spent blooms – Clip off faded flowers to encourage more blooming.

• Divide when overcrowded – Divide root balls every 3-5 years when plants become congested.

• Prune foliage in fall – Trim leaves back in autumn to prevent disease issues.

With proper care and attention, your container grown peonies will thrive and delight you with an abundance of romantic blooms year after year.

Overwintering Potted Peonies

In cold winter climates, container grown peonies will require some special overwintering care. Here are some tips to help them survive:

• Stop watering after frost – Allow plants to go dormant once hard frosts arrive.

• Protect from freeze/thaw cycles – Place in an unheated garage or bury pots in the ground.

• Insulate pots – Wrap containers with foam insulation to prevent roots from freezing.

• Check soil moisture periodically – Water very sparingly if soil becomes completely dry.

• Trim away dead growth in spring – Cut back any frost damage before new growth emerges.

• Resume normal care when growth starts – Fertilize and water as normal when you see new shoots.

With the right overwintering strategies, your potted peonies will sail through the cold months and be ready to bloom again next year.

Ideal Peony Varieties for Containers

While all peonies can be grown in containers, some varieties are better suited for pot culture. Here are some top recommendations:

• Intersectional Peonies – Bred from tree and herbaceous types, intersectionals like ‘Bartzella’ have sturdy stems.

• Fern Leaf Peonies – Fern leaf types like ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ have fine foliage and stand up to wind well.

• Dwarf Herbaceous Peonies – Compact types under 3 feet like ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ are perfect for smaller pots.

• Double Bomb Peonies – Fully double blooms like ‘Krinkled White’ don’t require staking.

• Fragrant Varieties – Choose scented cultivars like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ to perfume your patio or deck.

With so many fabulous peony varieties to explore, you’re sure to find some new favorites to grow in containers!

Troubleshooting Problems with Potted Peonies

Sometimes peonies in pots may encounter issues that affect their health and flowering. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Lack of flowers – This can be caused by insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, improper planting depth or excessive nitrogen fertilizer.

• Wilting – Drooping leaves or buds result from underwatering. Check soil and water properly.

• Foliage yellowing – This indicates overwatering. Allow soil to dry out. Improve drainage if needed.

• Leaf spots or powdery mildew – Treat foliar diseases promptly by pruning affected areas and applying fungicides.

• Pests like botrytis – Prevent by avoiding wet foliage. Remove damaged tissue and use neem oil.

• Root rot – Waterlogged soil causes decayed roots. Improve drainage and repot with fresh soil if needed.

Catch problems early and take corrective care to keep your container peonies looking their best.

Enjoying Peonies in Pots

There are so many great reasons to try growing peonies in containers. You can:

• Grace your patio, balcony or front steps with beautiful blooms

• Adorn entryways and sidewalks to welcome visitors

• Create striking container arrangements by pairing colors and textures

• Move pots around for seasonal enjoyment all over your yard

• Grow peonies even if you don’t have an in-ground garden area

• Overwinter plants more easily compared to those left exposed in garden beds

With the right care and preparation, you can succeed in growing peonies in pots and transform any outdoor space into a luxurious perennial garden. The gorgeous flowers, luscious fragrance and low maintenance nature of peonies make them ideal for container gardening. We hope these tips have inspired you to try growing peonies in pots this year!