QUALITY STOCK AT LOW COST 
PEONIES How and_ When to Plant 
The peony is a useful and versatile plant in 
either the large or small garden. It is a fine 
specimen plant (some are delicately scented 
and lovely for bouquets); it is ideal for massing, 
for borders, for cover in front of shrubbery; 
and it is one of the very best low hedging plants. 
Peonies give color and variety to any scheme 
of landscaping. They are a boon to the begin¬ 
ner, especially, for with very little skill or 
effort they produce a profusion of bloom. 
but worked into the soil is beneficial for better 
blooms. NEVER LET FERTILIZER OF ANY 
KIND COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ROOTS. 
SIZE OF ROOTS 
After many years of growing Peonies, we have 
found by experience that a plant with 3 to 5 
strong, well developed buds or eyes, and a 
properly balanced root system will produce the 
best results in the shortest time. 
Hardy and Long Lived 
Peonies are easy to grqw, perfectly hardy and 
when established in the garden, become a 
permanent fixture in the landscape. They are 
hardy in almost any climate and any soil, are 
easily established and require a minimum of 
care. They are almost, but not quite, immune 
from plant diseases and insect pests. 
Planting and Cultivation 
Peonies require a reasonably fertile, well 
drained soil and should have full sun at least 
part of the day. If planted in a shady place, 
plants are apt to be spindling, and will not 
produce typical bloom. If possible, plant them 
in an open space away from 
trees and shrubbery, in the 
open sunlight. Plant so that 
the buds or eyes are about 
two inches below the surface 
of the ground. (See illustra¬ 
tion on this page.) Deep plant¬ 
ing is detrimental to their 
blooming habit, and some¬ 
times the cause of their not 
blooming at all. Space the 
plants about three feet apart. 
For hedge plant 24 inches 
apart. 
FERTILIZING 
A little bone meal or pre¬ 
pared fertilizer scattered 
around the plant, not in con¬ 
tact with the stems or roots, 
TIME OF PLANTING 
Peonies planted in September and October 
become established before winter sets in, and 
will usually bloom in the spring. We advocate 
fall planting for the amateur grower; but they 
can be successfully planted in the spring pro¬ 
viding the plants are dug in the fall and kept 
in a dormant condition over winter. Place the 
plants in your garden where they can remain 
permanently for eight or ten years. Cover 
lightly with straw or coarse hay after the 
ground freezes, the first fall. 
ABOUT ANTS AND BEES 
When the buds begin to swell in the spring, 
they are frequently covered 
with ants and bees; but do 
not become alarmed, as all 
these insects are after is the 
honey that exudes from the 
buds, and they will not cause 
any injury. 
BLOOMING 
While many Peonies will 
bloom the first year, most 
varieties will not reach their 
full normal development, or 
produce typical blocm, until 
their third year. In cutting 
bloom, be sure to leave part 
of the foliage on the plant 
for the future development 
of the roots and buds. 
HOW TO PLANT 
PEONY ROOTS 
Make hole deep enough and 
wide enough to accomodate the 
roots. Plant so that the "eyes" 
are NOT more than two inches 
below the surface. TOO DEEP 
PLANTING IS OFTEN THE 
REASON WHY PEONIES DO 
NOT BLOOM. 
4 
PFEIFFER’S HAVE BEEN GROWING FINE PEONIES FOR 27 YEARS 
