How Do You Grow Peonies In The South?
Peonies are stunning flowers with their large showy blooms in shades of white, red and pink. Once established, they return year after year and can last up to 50 years or more in the same location. Although they enjoy a sunny location with well-drained soil, direct sun can pose a bit of a problem in the South and has lead some to believe that peonies cannot be grown in Southern climates. With a little attention to planting and providing proper protection from the intense summer sun, peonies can be grown successfully in the South. Choose an area in partial shade or an area that receives shelter from the hot afternoon sun. Although peonies grow well in full sun in Northern climates, the hot afternoon sun in Southern climates is too strong for them. Prepare the soil by digging to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Remove any rocks or debris from the soil. Add a shovelful of well-rotted compost to the hole and mix it in well. Plant bare root peonies so the eye lies 2 to 2 ½ inches below the soil lin
