Do you want your peonies to explode with giant, breathtaking blooms this spring?
Peonies are one of the most beloved flowers, known for their lush petals, intoxicating fragrance, and ability to return year after year with minimal care.
But while peonies are hardy and reliable, they do need a little help waking up from their winter slumber.
If you take the right steps before the growing season begins, your peonies will reward you with stronger stems, fuller foliage, and more vibrant flowers than ever before.
Neglecting early-season care can leave your peonies struggling with weak growth, small blooms, or even disease.
The good news?
A few simple gardening tasks will set your peonies up for success and ensure they reach their full potential.
Let’s go through everything you need to do to prepare your peonies for spring so they can thrive all season long.
Clear Away Last Year’s Foliage
Before your peonies begin pushing up new shoots, you need to remove any dead leaves or stems left behind from last season.
Peony foliage dies back completely in winter, and any remaining plant material can harbor fungal spores, mold, and pests.
Leaving it in place increases the risk of disease spreading to new growth.
Use garden shears to cut away any old, dried stems at ground level.
Be sure to clean up any fallen leaves or debris around the base of the plant.
Peonies don’t like to be smothered, and a tidy garden bed allows them to emerge without obstruction.
If you’ve had problems with botrytis blight or powdery mildew in past seasons, disposing of old plant material (rather than composting it) is a smart move to prevent reinfection.
This simple cleanup step is crucial for keeping your peonies healthy and disease-free.
Inspect for Winter Damage
Harsh winters can sometimes cause damage to peony crowns, especially if temperatures fluctuated dramatically or the ground was frozen for long periods.
Once the soil starts to thaw, take a moment to check on your plants.
Look for signs of rot, such as mushy or darkened areas around the crown.
Healthy peony buds—often called “eyes”—should be firm, pink or red, and slightly swollen.
If you find any rotten or diseased portions, trim them away carefully with sterilized shears.
If an entire plant looks severely damaged, it might be time to dig it up and assess the roots.
Healthy peony roots are thick and fleshy, while rotten ones will be soft and discolored.
Catching winter damage early allows you to take action before new growth begins.
Loosen the Soil Around the Crown
Peonies need well-draining soil, and after a long winter, the ground around them can become compacted.
To help your plants absorb nutrients and moisture more effectively, gently loosen the top layer of soil around the base of each peony.
Use a small hand rake or garden fork to break up any crusted-over dirt, being careful not to dig too deep.
Peony roots are shallow, and disturbing them too much can set back their growth.
If you notice that water tends to pool around your peonies after rain, consider adding organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage.
A well-aerated soil bed will help peonies wake up faster and grow stronger.
Add Nutrients with Compost or Fertilizer
Peonies are long-lived perennials that don’t require heavy feeding, but giving them the right nutrients at the start of the growing season can encourage bigger, healthier blooms.
Early spring is the perfect time to apply a slow-release fertilizer or organic compost.
Look for a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, which provides equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Sprinkle it around the base of the plant, but avoid placing it directly on the crown, as this can cause rot.
If you prefer organic options, well-rotted manure, bone meal, or compost tea are excellent choices that will slowly release nutrients into the soil.
Feeding your peonies now ensures they have everything they need to produce strong stems and stunning flowers later in the season.
Add a Layer of Mulch for Protection
Mulch is an excellent way to protect peonies from fluctuating spring temperatures and help retain moisture in the soil.
A thin layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or composted leaves, will keep the roots insulated while preventing weeds from competing for nutrients.
Spread a two-inch layer of mulch around the base of your peonies, but keep it at least an inch away from the crown.
Too much mulch piled against the plant can trap moisture and lead to rot.
As temperatures warm up, you can remove some of the mulch to allow the soil to breathe and prevent excess humidity.
This simple step keeps your peonies comfortable as they transition into their growing season.
Check Your Peony’s Support System
Peonies are notorious for producing heavy blooms that can cause their stems to droop or snap under the weight.
Spring is the perfect time to set up supports before your plants get too tall.
If your peonies have struggled with flopping in past years, consider using a peony ring, grow-through support, or simple stakes and twine.
Place supports in the ground early, while the plants are still small, so they can grow into them naturally.
Trying to add support later in the season—when the plant is full and sprawling—is much more difficult and can damage delicate stems.
A little preparation now will save you from having to rescue fallen blooms later.
Watering Wisely in Early Spring
Peonies don’t like overly wet soil, but they do need consistent moisture as they start to grow.
In early spring, before the weather heats up, check the soil around your peonies regularly.
If the top inch of soil is dry, give your plants a deep watering.
A slow soak is better than frequent light watering, as it encourages roots to grow deeper and become more drought-resistant.
If your garden gets regular spring rain, you may not need to water at all.
Peonies are fairly drought-tolerant once established, so avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Keeping the right moisture balance is key to a strong, healthy plant.
Time to Divide?
Peonies don’t need frequent dividing, but if you’ve noticed that your plants are producing fewer blooms or seem overcrowded, it might be time to separate them.
The best time to divide peonies is actually in the fall, but early spring can work if you’re careful.
If you must divide in spring, wait until you see the first signs of new growth.
Carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp knife to divide the root clump into sections, ensuring each piece has at least three to five “eyes.”
Replant at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them at least three feet apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Water thoroughly after replanting to help the roots settle in.
Dividing peonies is a great way to rejuvenate older plants and expand your garden with more blooms.
Watch for Early Pests and Diseases
Peonies are relatively pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract aphids, thrips, or spider mites.
Check new growth regularly for signs of tiny insects or sticky residue on the leaves.
If you spot any, a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap should take care of the problem before it gets worse.
Botrytis blight is the most common disease in peonies, often appearing as blackened stems or buds that fail to open.
To prevent it, make sure your plants have good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Removing any infected parts immediately will stop the disease from spreading.
Keeping an eye on your peonies in early spring will help catch any issues before they become serious problems.
Final Thoughts
Spring is an exciting time in the garden, and getting your peonies off to the right start will ensure they bloom beautifully all season long.
By cleaning up dead foliage, checking for winter damage, loosening the soil, adding nutrients, and providing support, you’ll give your peonies everything they need to thrive.
A little preparation now will lead to fuller plants, sturdier stems, and an explosion of breathtaking flowers.
So grab your gardening gloves and get started—your peonies are ready to shine!