Should I plant sorbet peony in hard, clay-like soil or would it be better in a large planter, like a half wine barrel?
If you want to plant it in the clay soil, I would work in plenty of organic material, like compost, peat or rotted manure. If this is not possible to do, then a container would be a better place for them.
My peonies were planted three years ago. This is the first time they have had buds. However, the large buds look as if they are about to open but have a clear, sticky substance on them. What is this and how do I get rid of it without hurting the buds? I live in western TN.
Your article on splitting peony plants doesn't say when to do it. . . . what time of year? Before they flower or after they are finished for the season?
Late August to September is generally the most ideal time for dividing these plants.
I planted my sunny front foundation bed 8 years ago- as a complete novice- and planted a gorgeous peony row in front of a number of rose bushes. At this point, while most have survived, the peonies have overshot the roses by a country mile. They are nearly invisible behind them. So which do I move? I know neither likes it very well. . .
I guess it comes down to which one you like the looks of better in that garden location. If the peonies are giving you a lot of joy, then I would move the rose bushes to another but still sunny location. The rose bushes must be floribunda roses as those tend to stay shorter. Hybrid teas or Grandifloras should have given the peonies a run for their money in the height department. I would not move the rose bushes if they are very actively growing at this time, however, as it could kill them.Transplant in early spring once the ground is workable.
I saved some seeds from prior years' trees, which I stored in the freezer. What should I do to grow these out, or is it possible to do?
First of all, do not store any seed in the freezer, as this will normally kill them. The refigerator or an airtight container in a dark location would be better. That being said, peonies are usually propagated by grafting or root division. Many peonies are infertile and do not produce seeds. However, for those that do, collect the seeds as soon as the pods begin to open. Place them in a sealed plastic bag with barely moist vermiculite or soilless germination mix. Place the sealed bags in a warm area and ensure they remain moist (but not wet). Leave them in the warmth until the roots appear, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Once the roots appear and are about an inch long, move the bag to a cool location, such as a refrigerator, for about 10-12 weeks, after which you can pot them up in a soilless germination mix. Note: seeds can also be sown directly in the ground provided the conditions for dormancy and growth are present. However, it will usually take until the second spring before shoots appear.
Fertilizer for peonies to get more blooms. How many hours of sun a day? Mine don't bloom all the time. Someone said bone meal. Is this good for all bulb plants?
Any high phosphorus fertilizer, like bone meal, it good for any plant that blooms. Plants can't bloom without it.
When is the best time to dig up and move my peonies?