Bulbs: Growing Peony and Dahlias In Zone 7B WInston Salem, NC, 2 by DonnaMack

DonnaMack wrote:
SteveFortWorth/Greenville used to start out peony season when he lived in Fort Worth Texas. I was looking through his old threads to see what he grew. But there are definitely peonies that you can grow in the south. Single do best. I do know that you should plant them very shallowly - an inch below the soil.

But you are zone 7, yes? I think the real issues exist in zone 8. But for peony growing in warm climates, warmer than yours, there are guidelines.

Again singles do best but so does Festiva Maxima (my personal favorite - see the first two pics to see why!) Singles do well - the third picture is Burma Joy.

Here is a list I found for Georgia, that is warmer than you:

These peony varieties seem to do best in the South. One of the clues - they are all early bloomers.

‘America’ large fiery-red flowers with golden center tuft.
‘Blaze’ early single-petaled red with a sunny yellow center.
‘Bride’s Dream’ creamy white with soft yellow center
‘Coral Charm’ deep coral buds that soften to coral-peach when open
‘Festiva Maxima’ large, early, white double flowers with crimson flecks.
‘Kansas’ large, early double flowers of watermelon red
‘Miss America’ snow white petals that open to a full early semi-double flower
‘Paula Fay’ glowing pink, early semi-double with waxy, textured petals.

Here is a list for Tennessee:
Festiva Maxima’ (white)
‘Bowl of Beauty’ (Jap. with rose pink petals, creamy yellow staminodes)
‘Red Charm’ (a wonderful true red, but be prepared to pay through the nose)
‘Kansas’ (rosy red double, very reliable)
‘Shirley Temple’ (blush daughter of Festiva Maxima)
‘Paula Fay’ (bright pink semi double)
‘Mons. Jules Elie’ (light pink)

And here is a link for Clemson, which not only lists other peonies for the south not listed above, but gives cultural information.

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/flowe...

ALL of these places are warmer than you!

The fourth picture is of Kansas. It is a myth that you cannot grow doubles in the south. They just have to be very early ones. Burma, Festiva Maxima and Kansas are the earliest blooming in my yard.

Also, while in North Carolina I went to the Sarah Duke gardens. They had many beautiful double and semidouble peonies. I strongly suggest that you visit for inspiration and to see for yourself how fabulous they are. I think that you have far more options than you imagine.

Donna

Life is too short to be without the beauty of peonies. Go for it!



This message was edited Feb 23, 2015 3:27 PM