Peony Red Sarah Bernhardt

Watering is most important the first spring after planting, when the root system is not yet fully developed. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not waterlogged. Older, well-established plants are relatively drought-resistant and generally only need watering during periods of severe drought in the spring before flowering. In the summer after flowering, they can usually take care of themselves.

Peonies appreciate nutrients to support the production of large flowers.

• Spring: Use an organic fertilizer with a higher potassium and phosphorus content. Avoid an excess of nitrogen, which could increase susceptibility to fungal diseases.
• Autumn: You can spread a thin layer of well-matured compost around the plant.

After flowering, it is advisable to remove the faded flowers so the plant does not exhaust itself by producing seeds. Cut the stem below the flower, but leave the leaves – the plant needs them for photosynthesis and to store energy in the roots for next year. Cut the entire plant (leaves) down to the ground only in late autumn.

Peonies are long-lived perennials that do not like to be transplanted. They can thrive in the same spot for decades. If transplanting is necessary, it should only be done in the autumn (September/October). It is advisable to divide an older clump into smaller sections (each should have 3–5 eyes) to rejuvenate the plant.

Yes, the 'Red Sarah Bernhardt' peony has large, full, and heavy blooms. Although its stems are relatively sturdy, they can bend under the weight of rain-soaked flowers during windy or rainy weather. We therefore recommend installing a circular plant support early in the spring so that the leaves and stems can grow through it naturally.

Yes, planting depth is absolutely crucial for peonies. A common mistake is planting too deep, which prevents peonies from blooming.

• Plant them so that the buds (eyes) on the roots are a maximum of 2–3 cm below the soil surface.
• After filling in with soil and watering, the tips of the buds should barely protrude or be just below the surface.
• Remember that the soil will settle a bit after watering.

Definitely yes! This variety is excellent for cutting. Cut the flowers at the 'soft bud' stage (when the color is showing and the bud feels as soft as a marshmallow to the touch). They will stay fresh in a vase for a long time and look spectacular.

Peonies are plants for patient gardeners. If your peony is not blooming, there could be several reasons:

1. It is too young: They rarely bloom the first year after planting; they reach their full beauty only after 3 years.
2. It is planted too deep: If the eyes are more than 3 cm below the soil surface, the plant will grow but will not bloom.
3. Lack of sun: Peonies need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
4. Over-fertilization with nitrogen: This promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Choose a sunny spot where it will have plenty of space (plan for an area of approx. 1 m²). Peonies can tolerate partial shade, but for abundant flowering, they require at least 6 hours of sunshine. Avoid areas in close proximity to large shrubs or trees, as peonies do not like root competition.

Peonies thrive best in deep, nutrient-rich, and well-draining loamy soil. It is important that the soil is not constantly waterlogged (clayey), as this causes the roots to rot. Prepare a planting hole that is sufficiently large (twice as wide and deep as the root ball) and improve the bottom with compost.

The Red Sarah Bernhardt peony is a fully hardy perennial.

• Mature plants: Can handle winter without protection.
• Freshly planted specimens: For the first winter, we recommend covering the planting site with conifer branches or mulch to prevent frost from heaving the roots to the surface.

Although the name suggests a close relationship, these two peonies do not have much in common. While the classic Sarah Bernhardt is light pink, Red Sarah Bernhardt features deep crimson to wine-fuchsia flowers. It is a variety of Chinese origin registered in 1980.

Yes, peonies are considered mildly poisonous plants. Both the roots and the above-ground parts contain substances that, if ingested in large quantities, can cause nausea (vomiting, diarrhea). We recommend caution if you have small animals or children in your garden who tend to taste plants.

Don't worry, ants are not pests. They appear on peony buds because the plant secretes a sweet nectar that ants enjoy. They do not damage the buds in any way, and once the flowers open, the ants usually disappear. There is no need to use chemicals against them.

This may be Botrytis blight (gray mold), which attacks peonies during damp weather or when planted too densely.

• Solution: Immediately remove and dispose of the affected parts (do not put them in the compost).
• Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around the plant, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, and water at the base, not on the leaves.