The peony that we have in our yard is one of my favorite plants.
It was actually the very first thing that I planted on our property. A friend had given me some cut peonies and they lasted for a very, very long time.
I have heard that there are basically two types of peonies; one that keeps well as a cut flower and the other that is heavily scented. The one I ended up planting is of the heavily scented variety.
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With peonies, they need the help of the ants. In the spring when the buds form, they will be covered by ants.
As ants are a bit creepy-crawly, the tendency may be to spray them off. However, these ants are necessary to eat the coverings of the buds.
Without the ants performing this function, the peonies would not be able to bloom. So bless the ants as they aid these gorgeous blossoms.
Fuchsias are also lovely plants. We usually see them in hanging baskets.
They will bloom all summer long with a bit of attention. For one thing, they love water. I always check my fuchsia first if the weather has been dry. These “plants” are actually a combination of many plants put together in one pot. So you have to be careful watering them—make sure that the entire surface of the soil gets wet. Also, the seeds need to be picked off.
For any plant, its purpose is to reproduce itself. So it will grow and flower hoping to attract pollinating insects. Once this has happened, it will set seeds. Then the plant thinks that its job is done. And, it will stop flowering. To keep it flowering all summer long we need to keep removing the seeds. A small price to pay for a season of loveliness.
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riddle: What did one Peony Flower say to another Peony Flower? "The Ants have tickled me pink !"~: )
My thanks to you for great photos of your beautiful plants and info. I have recently purchased a bare root of a gorgeous Pink highly scented peony named "Celebration". Could I just ask as Peonies are such short flowering plants, what annuals could I plant around the Peony once it's finished flowering? This is very important to me as my garden is filled with pollinating plants for my many visiting pollinator's so bare patches are a big no no in my cottage garden. I was planning on growing the varieties of Bearded Iris "Frost and Flames" and "Prince of Burgundy" alongside the Peony so will potentially have rather a big gap in the border bed when they have finished flowering. Look forward to any suggestions from you and other members here. And photos of your mixed beds, if you have any, would be much appreciated:0)
Hi Bee Happy, Many annuals could be planted near your peony. I might start with calendulas, nasturtiums, marigolds or pansies for edible delights. There is a type of marigold called "gem" that produces orange (tangerine) and yellow (lemon) small flowers that are wonderful additions to salads. Keep all of these flowers picked off and they will continue to flower throughout the summer until the frost.
Hi Celeste,
I bought my first Peony at Costco about 2 months ago.with no buds on it. I think it is a Pink one. I planted it in a pot with ample room to grow and it has been in full sun. It seemed to be doing fine and has now developed brown tips on all the foliage. I would like to plant in the front yard on my property to let it get more established but I understand they do not like to be transplanted. Any suggestions?
Hi Sharon,
The peonies that you buy in pots are meant to be transplanted. I think that the brown tips come from a lack of water--it is almost impossible to water plants in pots enough. Get it in the ground ASAP!
I have had a very healthy Peonie plant for 4 years. It has yet to grow a single bud. Why? Also I have the same issue with a Hydrangea plant it bloomed 3 years ago & then stopped.
Hi Patricia,
Do you feed it? Flowers are somewhat heavy feeders so you need to find some organic material to feed it. Compost or old manure works great. Be sure to buy this from a local nursery or you run the risk of importing a new bug or two.
Don't throw away the ant theory yet. This is the fourth year I'm growing fuchsias and the many buds are not opening. I notice that for the first time, there is not one single ant in sight. We've had more rain than usual this past spring. I don't know what to do with my two hanging pots of fuchsia buds and leaves!
they have many buds but will not open
What is the name or nickname of this particular Fuchsia? It is my favorite, I received one as a birthday present one summer and no other will do. I kept picking the seeds and it almost grew to the ground. Magnificent plant
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