THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



Peonies do well in full sun, in light shade, or 

 in a position where they are shaded a part of each 

 day. If sheltered from the wind by shrubs, 

 hedges, walls or buildings at a short distance it 

 will be a distinct advantage. Such a protection 

 is especially valuable in the case of the single 

 varieties, the blooms of which are somewhat 

 fragile. 



Peonies are indeed " gross-feeders." To put 

 forth strong stems, heavy foliage and masses of 

 large flowers all within ten or twelve weeks, it 

 is only natural that they must have food and 

 drink in abundance. Peonies thrive best in a 

 rich, heavy loam. A clay loam which has been 

 made friable or a good vegetable garden soil makes 

 an excellent soil for them. Rows of peonies 

 along the path edges give a finish to the garden 

 and furnish quantities of flowers for cutting from 

 a place where they can best be spared. 



The person who has only a few peonies can 

 put them in the flower border. If small roots are 

 thus placed, they should not be crowded or shaded 

 by other plants, as this causes the leaves to shrivel 

 or wither and retards the development of the root 



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