Planting and growing conditions
Lighting:
Choose a sunny spot protected from drafts. In light partial shade, the bush develops more slowly and blooms less profusely.
Soil:
Fertile, loose, and well-drained, with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction (pH 6.5−7.0). It is important to ensure drainage — add a layer of gravel or coarse sand to the planting hole. Avoid areas where meltwater or rainwater stagnates.
Watering:
Water moderately but deeply. In the Baltic States, the soil often retains moisture longer, so watering is required approximately every 10−14 days, depending on the weather.
Fertilizing:
In spring, apply organic fertilizers.
During budding and flowering, add phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to support abundant flowering.
In autumn, apply ash or potassium preparations to prepare for winter.
Care and wintering
In spring, carry out sanitary pruning.
After the snow melts, remove all frozen and dry shoots. This stimulates the growth of new branches and improves the shape of the bush.
In autumn, mulch the root zone.
Use humus, peat, or dry leaves. Mulch helps protect the roots from freezing and evens out soil moisture during frequent autumn rains.
Insulate young plants for the winter.
In the first 2-3 years after planting, cover the bush with spruce branches or non-woven material (agrofibre). This is especially important in winters with little snow, when temperatures can drop below -20 °C.
In spring, remove the cover gradually.
Do this in cloudy weather to avoid sunburn on young shoots.
Recommendations:
Do not transplant unnecessarily.
Tree peonies do not tolerate transplanting well, especially in cool and humid climates. It is better to choose a permanent sunny location with good drainage right away.
In spring, gently loosen the soil.
After the snow melts, the soil in the Baltic States often becomes compacted. Careful loosening helps air penetrate the roots, prevents moisture stagnation and the development of fungi.
Remove faded buds.
After flowering, cut off wilted flowers — this prolongs the decorative effect of the bush and prevents the plant from weakening.
Mulch the base of the bush.
Use compost or bark — this helps retain moisture in summer and protects the roots from freezing in winter.
Cover young plants.
In the first 2−3 years after planting, it is recommended to insulate tree peonies for the winter with spruce branches or breathable agrotextile. Mature bushes can overwinter without shelter, but in winters with little snow, it is advisable to protect the base from freezing.
Inspect the bush regularly.
In the changeable Baltic climate, it is important to watch for mold or rot. At the first signs, remove the affected parts and treat with a fungicide.