Peonies: Big Tips for Big Blooms

Every spring, peonies announce themselves in a blaze of pinks, reds, and whites. They look extravagant, but here’s the secret: they’re surprisingly easy to grow in Southwest Colorado — as long as you follow a few simple rules.

The Basics That Matter

• Full sun: Peonies need it. Six or more hours of direct light is non-negotiable if you want those big blooms.
• Planting depth: This is where many gardeners go wrong. The “eyes” (buds) of the tuber should sit just 1–2 inches below the soil. Too deep, and you’ll get leaves but no flowers.
• Low amendment: Resist the urge to load the hole with rich compost. Peonies prefer ordinary, well-draining garden soil. Over-amending can actually set them back.
• Low fertilizer: A light touch is best. Too much nitrogen means lots of foliage and few flowers. A balanced, sparing feed in early spring is plenty.

Why Peonies Thrive Here

Cool winters give them the chilling period they require, and our long sunny days fuel abundant growth. Once established, peonies are tough, low-maintenance perennials that can live for decades in the same spot.

Design Value

• They’re showstoppers in borders and cutting gardens.
• Even their foliage holds up well through summer, offering structure after blooms fade.
• A mature clump in full bloom becomes a centerpiece you’ll plan the rest of the garden around.

Local Tip

Don’t move them unless you have to. Peonies resent being disturbed and can take a season or two to settle back in. But once they’re happy, they’ll reward you for years with armfuls of blooms.

Ready to Plant?

Peonies may look like a gardener’s indulgence, but they’re actually one of the most reliable, easy-care perennials you can grow in our climate. Plant them right, give them sun, and enjoy decades of spring drama.