Peonies are hands down my favorite flower and every year around the middle of May, they start appearing everywhere – in the farmers markets, florists, corner bodegas, Korean delis…and in my father’s garden. These lush specimens are the first blooms from his many peony plants, but guess what? I planted a bulb in a large pot last Fall that I had shoved in the corner of our balcony that I completely forgot about, but it sprouted and grew into a 15 inch plant! I don’t see any buds, but I am super excited! I will ignore, for the moment, that my dad’s bulb, which was bought at the same farmers market in Olympia, Wa and planted around the same time has already started to bud (what’s up with that? Could it be because it was planted in the ground?). I really, truly hope my plant flowers at some point in the future and that being potted doesn’t hinder its growth. It’s all I have.
Beautiful! I love peonies.
Mine are just about to open.. Their heavy heads will need cutting soon, and I’ll bring them inside to delight in their aroma and beauty.
It’s probably not blooming just yet because like with most periennals they take a while to establish themselves especially if they’ve been neglected ^_~. Do you know if your dad gave you a variety for a potted plant? Also they should be watered on a regular basis, but need well drained soil. If you’ve neglected it and it’s been in a shady spot for the spring it MAAAAY not be very healthy and might need some TLC to see if you can indeed bring it back. They love full sun, but I’m sure there are some partial shady varities.
I’d recommend planting it outside away from a tree (they don’t like tree roots) if you have any space for that. Out front maybe??
I love peonies too. My mom is giving us a bunch of peony bulbs as an anniversary present so I won’t get to enjoy them until next year, but she says they come back year after year for decades. I can’t wait!
I see I’m not the only one! xo