Peonies are some of the most beloved flowers in the world, and it is easy to see why. With their huge, fragrant blooms and sturdy green foliage, they bring old-fashioned charm to any garden.
But those legendary blooms do not happen by accident. In May, peonies need a little thoughtful care to reach their full, glorious potential.
Here is what your peonies are asking for this month to keep them strong and ready to dazzle.
Signs Your Peonies Are Ready to Bloom
By May, most peonies are stretching upward with fresh energy.
You should see thick stems standing tall and tight buds forming at the top. Some buds may already be swelling, hinting at the blooms to come.
Healthy leaves will be deep green with no signs of yellowing or spots. Stems should feel firm and strong when you gently press them.
If your peonies look small or weak, it could be a sign of poor soil, lack of water, or overcrowding.
Most healthy peonies grow fast once the weather warms, gaining inches almost overnight. Their buds swell quickly when conditions are right.
Watching for these early signs helps you know your peonies are on the right track.
Clearing the Area Around Peonies
A clean base around each plant helps peonies grow stronger and reduces the risk of disease.
Gently remove any dead leaves, leftover mulch, or winter debris that might be clinging to the soil.
Be careful not to disturb tender shoots or new stems emerging at the base.
Weeds should be pulled by hand or removed with a small hoe to keep competition away. Weeds steal moisture and nutrients that peonies need to build strong buds.
Clearing early in May also makes watering and feeding easier later.
Your peonies appreciate a clean space where they can breathe and grow freely.
Choose the Best Support Before Blooms Appear
Peonies are famous for their heavy flowers that bend and break stems if left unsupported.
It is much easier to set up supports before the blooms open.
Place rings, cages, or stakes around your plants now while the stems are still growing upward. Gently guide the stems through the support structure without forcing them.
As the buds open and the flowers get heavier, the support will hold everything upright.
Waiting too long often means trying to prop up floppy plants after damage has already started. A little preparation now saves frustration later.
How to Water Peonies Properly in May
Peonies need regular moisture to build strong stems and plump buds, but they do not like soggy soil.
Check the top two inches of soil every few days. If it feels dry, give the plant a slow, deep watering.
Water at the base, not over the leaves, to help prevent fungal diseases. Newly planted peonies dry out faster and need closer attention than established plants.
May weather can be tricky with unexpected heat or cool snaps, so stay alert. Steady, careful watering supports healthy roots and beautiful blooms.
Feeding Peonies for Bigger Blooms
If you have not fertilized your peonies yet, May is the perfect time to give them a little boost. Choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer made for flowering perennials.
Sprinkle it around the base of each plant, about six inches away from the stems, and water it in well.
Too much fertilizer encourages leafy growth without promoting strong flowers.
A light, steady feeding schedule is best for peonies.
When given the right nutrients at the right time, peonies reward you with bigger, fuller blooms.
Check for Early Pests and Problems
May brings new growth, but it can also bring new pests and issues.
Keep an eye out for ants swarming around buds. While ants do not harm peonies, their presence can signal sticky sap that may attract other insects.
Look for signs of fungal diseases like botrytis blight, which appears as brown or black spots on stems and leaves.
Good airflow, clean beds, and careful watering help prevent most problems before they start.
If you spot trouble, act quickly with appropriate treatments. Strong, healthy peonies are usually able to fend off minor pests with little trouble.
How to Handle Buds That Never Open
Sometimes peony buds form but fail to open fully, a problem known as bud blast.
Common causes include poor weather, nutrient deficiencies, or planting too deeply.
Make sure your peonies have plenty of sun, well-draining soil, and the right amount of water.
If you see buds turning brown or shrinking without opening, remove them gently to encourage better energy flow to the healthy buds.
Checking soil quality and feeding your plants properly often prevents bud blast next year.
Peonies that get what they need rarely struggle to bloom beautifully.
Know When to Remove Weak Stems
Not every stem that emerges in spring is strong enough to support a flower.
If you notice thin, spindly stems growing at odd angles, it is best to remove them early. Use clean, sharp pruners to cut these weak stems near the base.
Removing weaker growth allows the plant to focus its energy on the thick, healthy stems that will produce better blooms.
Pruning now also helps improve airflow around the base of the plant, reducing the risk of disease.
A little smart trimming leads to better flowers and healthier plants.
Signs That Your Peonies Are Struggling
Most peonies thrive with minimal fuss, but a few warning signs can signal trouble.
Wilting stems, yellowing leaves, stunted buds, or black spots mean something is wrong. Poor drainage, too much fertilizer, or fungal diseases are common causes of stress.
Correcting the problem quickly gives your plant a better chance of recovery. Healthy peonies should look strong, green, and steadily growing throughout May.
If your plants seem stuck or unhealthy, take action before problems worsen.
When to Cut Back and Start Fresh
Sometimes a peony plant struggles year after year despite good care.
If a plant blooms poorly for several seasons, it may be time to dig it up and divide it.
Fall is the best time for transplanting or dividing, but you can start planning in May.
Take notes on which plants perform well and which ones do not. Mark struggling plants so you remember where to work later.
Thinking ahead now helps you prepare for better results next season.
Preparing Peonies for Summer Heat
Although May feels mild in many places, summer heat arrives quickly. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture as days grow hotter.
Spread a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of your plants, keeping it a few inches away from the stems.
Mulching now helps prevent heat stress and keeps roots cooler when summer arrives. Peonies love cool feet and warm heads, and a little mulch provides exactly that.
Protecting them early sets them up for a longer, stronger growing season.
How to Tell If Your Peonies Are Thriving
Healthy peonies stand tall, with strong green stems and swelling buds that feel firm to the touch. Leaves should be rich green without signs of fading or spotting.
Buds should grow steadily larger each day in May, giving a hint of the bloom colors to come.
When the first flowers finally open, the entire plant should feel vibrant and full of life.
If your peonies show these signs, you can celebrate a job well done. Few sights are more rewarding than a peony patch at its peak.
Small Details That Make a Big Difference
Small details can have a big impact on peony success. Checking supports regularly keeps heavy blooms from sagging or snapping.
Removing spent blooms quickly after flowering helps the plant conserve energy.
Watering early in the morning keeps leaves dry and reduces disease risk.
Taking a few minutes each week to walk through your peony bed keeps everything on track. Good gardens grow from small, consistent efforts made with care.
Final Thoughts
May is a critical month for peonies.
From clearing debris and adding support to watering wisely and feeding carefully, every action you take now builds a stronger, more beautiful plant.
You do not need complicated techniques or fancy tools. You just need steady attention, gentle hands, and a little patience.
Peonies reward thoughtful care with the most breathtaking blooms in the garden.
Your best peony season is just around the corner, and it all starts with what you do today.