How to Grow Your Intersectional Peony

Intersectional peonies are zone 4 hardy and will grow anywhere herbaceous peonies (like the ones grandma grew) will grow. They survive our frigid Minnesota winters just fine. They do require a cold period (vernalization) similar to herbaceous peonies but not quite as long. We have plants growing in various southern zones and as we learn how far south they can be successfully grown, we will post it here.

Your intersectional peony grows best in full sun and fertile well-drained soil. For those with limited sun, we recommend at least 8 hours of sunlight. Keep in mind these plants can grow up to 4 feet across and live for decades with minimal care.

Planting Your Peony

Your intersectional peony is a precious plant and should be treated as such. After selecting your site, we recommend you amend your soil, unless you are lucky enough to have rich fertile soil like the farm fields in Iowa. Dig a hole two feet deep and two feet across. Prepare a soil mixture using: two parts top soil, two parts compost, and one part peat moss (Yes you can use your existing topsoil).

If you have poor drainage, add an appropriate amount of sand. Your intersectional peony DOES NOT like wet soil.

Place your root so that the crown is 3 to 4 inches below the soil level. This is different than an herbaceous peony. Fan the roots out while adding soil. Firm the ground as you go. Once you have completely filled in the hole, water your peony thoroughly enough to settle the soil.

We recommend mulching with straw-type mulch or wood chips. Leaves are not recommended because they tend to matte down. The main function of mulch is to keep your peony root from thawing and refreezing during the winter season. This freeze/thaw cycles takes the lives of many innocent perennials each year.

Check with your local garden expert when it is the proper time to apply and remove the mulch in your area.

Cut Flowers

Intersectional peonies make excellent cut flowers. They can be cut anytime after the bud is soft like a fresh marshmallow. For best results, place the flowers in fresh water immediately after cutting. When cutting. you can cut them as long as you like as long as you leave the lowest branch stem remaining on the plant (this will provide the base for next year's growth). In addition, you You should remove NO MORE than 1/3 of the total stems so the plant has enough leaves to regrow for next year. As your cut flowers open, they will brighten your home for a week or more.

Summer care is minimal for your intersectional peony. Water as needed during dry periods of the growing season. Fertilize as needed with your favorite brand of balanced fertilizer (i.e. 20-20-20). Avoid high nitrogen levels at all times and late fall applications of fertilizer. Remove spent blooms as you see fit, and enjoy healthy green foliage all summer.