Peonies will bloom in Southern California!

14 years ago

After all the discouraging messages floating around, I still wanted to try them out. Thanks to Calgary for his postings gave me hope.

So this is my first time with these plants. I bought 4 types from a well known cheap online source so you know these are not cream of the crop. In fact, some of these had mushy rhizomes which I had to clean. I planted them last fall with the tips exposed. I was very worried at how the cold weather only started in February and its almost over already. Here are the results so far.

I can say that I wont be expecting a big show, but even just one flower will make me very happy.

Thanks for looking. :)

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Comments (8)

Dar Sunset Zone 18
Original Author
14 years ago
OOps! I am very sorry, I meant Calistoga. XD
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
14 years ago
Do not be discouraged if you do not get flowers this year, or maybe not next year. Peonies take time to grow roots large enough to support flowering. It looks from your photo like you are growing in a container with competing plants in the same space. Peonies grow extensive roots that will easily fill the container the first year. If you can not grow in the garden, next fall when the foliage dies back think of a larger container, at least 18 inches wide and deep. As peonies will be in the same soil for many years think about a soil mix that will hold up. Good soil advice for containers can be found on the container forum. If you have garden space, it will be much happier there, in the full sun. Al
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hdgrdnr_lilann
14 years ago
I just posted a message about some peonies setting flower buds for me here 90 mi north of Tampa. Can you tell me how many chill hours you received from last October until now? I received 734 hours below 45F and 607 hours between 32-45F. That well above the average (500 and 450 respectively). Your figures would be interesting to compare to mine. Richard
Dar Sunset Zone 18
Original Author
14 years ago
Calistoga, thanks for the info.
There is a flower bud in the first picture (another flower bud I accidently broke off on a different tip). It has started to grow more and I can see those droplets of dew on the bud but it doesnt look like the flower will be as big as I see in pictures.

Richard, I will have to do research on that. My area does not normally receive more than 400 chill hours and it didnt see like it got below 45 much this year.
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
14 years ago
Yesterday our Santa Rosa Costco had hundreds of three gallon peonies all in bud. Labeled simply "assorted colors". I found one in the middle of the pile with buds showing color that looks like yellow. For $12 it is worth taking a chance, Al
Dar Sunset Zone 18
Original Author
14 years ago
About 6 months after planting and the two other ones in this pot are barely sprouting not sure why this one is extra early compared to the others.

Its either Felix Crousse or Karl Rosenfield (along with Sarah Bernhart in there).
Dar Sunset Zone 18
Original Author
13 years ago
Tadaa!

At first it was a little deformed looking but over the days it has become fuller than in this picture.
Dar Sunset Zone 18
Original Author
13 years ago
It smells a little bit like an oak barrel (the ones that had wine in them) and some hint of a rose. Not very strong though.