HERBACEOUS PEONIES 
For centuries the Peony has held its place as the 
most magnificent and beautiful of perennial flowering 
plants. They are hardy in the coldest climates and 
thrive in practically all parts of the temperate zone. 
The soil best suited to their culture is a natural 
loam with a clay subsoil. They do not require humus 
or peat moss and manure should not be used in the soil 
preparation. A little bonemeal mixed with the soil at 
time of planting is best suited to the needs of the plants 
in after years. 
Planting and Care 
Planting should be done during the fall months for 
best results. From early September until garden work is 
interupted by unfavorable winter weather, In planting, 
dig generous holes and loosen the soil in the bottom ot 
the hole. Set the roots so the eyes are pointing upward 
and so that they will be about two to two and a half 
inches below the surface of the soil when planting is 
completed. Firm the soil about the roots. 
Peonies require ample space for ultimate growth and 
development. Plant at least 3 to 4 feet apart. Choose 
an open sunny spot for your peony garden. 
Peonies will thrive and give good results with a 
minimum of care. They do require good cultivation, 
keeping the soil about them well cultivated but deep 
cultivation should be avoided so as not to disturb the 
feeder roots close to the surface. After the plants are 
well established they may have a top dressing of plant 
food applied at the time growth starts in the spring. 
This may be well rotted manure, bonemeal, phosphate 
rock or a good commercial fertilizer lightly worked into 
the soil about the plants, Do not put directly over the 
crowns of the plants. 
In sections where it is dry during the period from 
September to December in the fall and from March to 
July in the spring, peonies will benefit from a generous 
supply of water applied about once a week as needed. 
During garden clean-up time in the fall (October) 
cut off the tops of the peonies and burn them with other 
rubbish to destroy any insect or disease that may be 
present, If a winter dormant spray is given the garden, 
include the peonies, spraying over the crowns where 
the new growth will be coming through in the spring. 
You Are Invited 
to visit the gardens at anytime but especially during the 
blooming season of the peonies which is usually from 
about May 25 to about June 15th to 20th. Visitors are 
invited to the Gardens to see the bloom of the different 
varieties. If you are interested in securing peonies for 
your own garden, this is the ideal way to make selections. 
Stock is available for delivery or shipment through 
the fall months (September to about December Ist). 
We make shipments of Peonies to any part of the United 
States. 
Please be sure to place your orders well in advance 
of the shipping and delivery season in order that you 
may be sure to have your plants early or just at the 
time you wish them. 
