Peony blossoms might have a brief lifespan, yet they remain unmistakably elegant whether planted in borders or displayed in vases. Nonetheless, certain climate conditions favor these perennial plants more than others since many varieties need a chilly and icy winter period to develop their buds properly.
Placing ice on the plants during winter nights is reportedly a technique used as a remedy for
growing peonies
In warmer climates, whether this gardening trick truly proves effective remains to be seen—thus, I sought insights from seasoned experts in the field.
It turns out that this method could potentially cause more damage than benefit, as detailed further down. However, all optimism isn’t lost for those who adore peonies even when they experience milder winters; several alternate strategies are available to attempt instead.
Why you shouldn’t ice your peonies, according to experts
‘The concept of employing ice to emulate the cold climate required for peonies might appear ingenious; however, it proves neither feasible nor efficient,’ explains
Melissa Hessney Masters
the founder of the floral business Tanglebloom.
She explains there is a ’40 under 40′ rule for these plants to set bloom reliably – meaning 40 days under 40°F – and a few scattered ice applications won’t replicate this sustained cold period.
Kelly Funk
The CEO of the online nursery Jackson & Perkins concurs that ice does not offer the constant, intense cold required for peonies. Moreover, they point out that it can result in
overwatering
“, as well as undue stress to the plant, particularly in areas where the soil tends to hold water,” she explains.
What to do instead
Kelly suggests prioritizing established methods that ensure lasting prosperity instead of depending on temporary solutions such as using ice. He emphasizes that flourishing with peonies in warm regions hinges on carefully choosing the appropriate varieties and establishing suitable microclimatic environments.
Kelly goes on to say, “Some types of peonies need less chilling time and are better suited for warmer climates.” She points out examples like ‘Lorelei,’ which thrives in areas up to zone 9, and ‘Coral Charm,’ suitable for zones up to 8. Additionally, many intersectional (Itoh) varieties such as ‘Pastel Splendor’ also do well in zones up to 8. According to Melissa’s suggestions, you might want to consider planting ‘Command Performance’ (a red variety), ‘Etched Salmon’ (which has a pastel pink hue), or ‘Bridal Shower’ (an elegant white option).
Melissa suggests offering some shade as well. She mentions, “In hot regions, partial shade, particularly during the afternoon, can shield plants from stress and aid in keeping flowers fresher for a longer time.” Kelly further notes that adding a light covering of mulch could be beneficial.
mulch
Can help stabilize soil temperature but ensure it doesn’t cover the crown to prevent rot.
Good drainage is crucial for peonies to thrive. As Kelly points out, ‘peonies detest “soggy roots,” particularly in hotter areas where soilborne diseases become more prevalent.’
Raised beds
Or modified, well-draining soil is crucial. When planting your peonies, make sure they are set fairly shallow into the ground as well. According to Melissa, “the ‘eyes’ of the peony—the visible buds on top of the root—should sit about 0.5-1 inch beneath the soil’s surface.” Planting at too great a depth is often cited as a frequent mistake.
peonies won’t bloom
.’
Finally,
pruning peonies
can be beneficial. ‘In
zones
8–9, trimming herbaceous peonies down to the soil level in November can help ward off diseases and might aid the plants in transitioning into dormancy, particularly if the winter temperatures aren’t cold enough,’ explains Melissa.
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FAQs
Which plants thrive in hot weather conditions?
Our instructions for gardening in
hardiness zones 8
and
hardiness zones 9
have numerous suggestions for appropriate plants to experiment with. For regions with even higher temperatures, here are some tips we recommend:
hardiness zones 10-13
will come in useful.
Could ice be used on any other types of plants?
Ice isn’t usually used in the garden – on the contrary, gardeners are more often taking measures to
protect plants from frost
However, it is claimed that you can utilize ice to
water indoor orchids
effectively.
Once your peonies start showing new growth, there are several considerations to ensure they thrive. You might need to
put in supports
To stop taller plants from toppling over, and like many plants, there are certain considerations.
peony pests
to watch out for. Recognizing when to
transplant peonies
is also helpful if you need to move them down the line. If all else fails and you simply need to look for some colorful
peony alternatives
, we list the best blooms in our latest guide.
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