Peony Command Performance

Pests usually do not attack peonies. The main enemy is the fungal disease gray mold (Botrytis cinerea).

• Prevention: Maintain proper spacing when planting for air circulation and do not over-fertilize with nitrogen.
• Remove faded flowers and dead leaves in the autumn (do not put them in the compost, but in the bin).

Peonies like nutrients, but be careful with nitrogen (it causes susceptibility to disease).

• Spring: Use an organic fertilizer with a higher potassium content to support blooming.
• Autumn: You can spread a thin layer of well-matured compost around the plant.

The correct depth is essential – you must not 'drown' peonies.

• Plant them so that the buds (eyes) are a maximum of 2–3 cm below the soil surface.
• If you plant them deeper, the peony will grow, but it will not bloom.
• The planting hole should be twice as wide and as deep as the root itself.
• Keep in mind that the soil will settle a little after watering.

Watering is crucial primarily during the first spring after planting while the plant is establishing roots. Mature, rooted peonies are quite resilient and only need watering during a very dry spring and early summer (before and during flowering). Once they have finished blooming in summer, they tolerate drought well and do not require additional watering.

Yes. As this is a herbaceous peony with huge and heavy blooms (which can reach up to 20 cm in diameter), the stems may bend under their weight, especially after rain. We recommend placing a circular support around the clump.

The peony is a herbaceous perennial, which means its above-ground parts die back in winter.

• Late autumn: Cut back the dead leaves and stems close to the ground and dispose of them.
• Overwintering: You can cover newly planted specimens with evergreen boughs during their first winter. Established plants overwinter without any problems without needing protection.

Yes, peonies are considered toxic to humans and pets if ingested. They contain alkaloids that can cause nausea. Therefore, do not consume them.

Peonies love the sun but can handle partial shade. For rich blooming, they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Space is also important:

• Reserve about 1 m² for one plant.
• They do not like root competition from other shrubs, trees, or hedges.
• Ensure good air circulation around the plant (this prevents mold).

Peonies require deep, humus-rich, and well-drained soil that is high in nutrients.

• They do not tolerate waterlogging or heavy clay soils (there is a risk of root rot).
• The soil should retain moisture well, but it must not be muddy.

Yes, the 'Command Performance' peony is fully frost-hardy (zone 4a, down to -34 °C).

• Beware of late spring frosts, however: If the peony sprouts early in the spring and temperatures drop below -3 °C, the flower buds may be damaged. In such cases, cover the plant temporarily with horticultural fleece.

This cultivar is unique due to its color variability. The flowers start as deep red to crimson. As the flower matures, the color changes through orange-salmon to a fading cream. This allows you to have flowers of different shades in a single cluster at the same time.

Yes, 'Command Performance' is excellent for cutting. It has large, sturdy flowers and lasts a long time in a vase. Cut the flowers early in the morning when the buds feel soft to the touch (the so-called 'marshmallow' stage).

Peonies do not like being transplanted and can remain in the same spot for decades. If necessary, transplant older plants in the autumn (September/October). On that occasion, it is advisable to divide the root clump so that each section has 3–7 buds (eyes), which will rejuvenate the plant.

The most common reason is planting too deep. If the buds are more than 3 cm below the soil surface, the plant will only produce leaves. Other possible causes include:

• Lack of sun (less than 6 hours).
• Young plant – peonies are perennials for the patient, and you will often only see full blooming by the 2nd or 3rd year after planting.
• Over-fertilization with nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth at the expense of flowers.