Peony Jan van Leeuwen

Peonies do not like change and tolerate transplanting poorly. They can grow in the same spot for decades. Therefore, think through your choice of location carefully in advance. If transplanting is necessary (e.g., for very old plants), carry it out between September and October and divide the clump so that each part has 3 to 7 buds.

Pruning peonies is simple: 1. After flowering: Regularly remove faded flowers so the plant does not exhaust itself by producing seeds. 2. In autumn: At the end of autumn, when the aerial part begins to die back, cut all leaves and stems just above the ground. This helps prevent diseases from overwintering.

The 'Jan van Leeuwen' peony is a fully hardy perennial (zone 4a, down to -34 °C). It handles winter without any problems. Just be careful of late spring frosts that can occur after a mild winter when the plant is already sprouting. Sprouting buds can be damaged by temperatures below -3 °C. In such cases, it is advisable to cover the plant with non-woven fabric. Before winter, you can cover new plants with evergreen boughs as a precaution.

The correct planting depth is absolutely crucial for peonies. If you plant them too deep, they will not bloom. Plant the roots so that the shoot buds are slightly protruding above the surface, or at a maximum of 2–3 centimeters below the soil surface. Remember that the soil will settle a bit after watering, so it is better to plant them on the shallower side.

Yes, like most herbaceous peonies, this cultivar appreciates a circular support. Peony flowers are large and heavy; especially after rain, the stems could sag to the ground under their weight. A support ensures that the plant maintains a beautiful, compact shape and the stems remain upright.

Watering is most important after planting and during the first spring, while the plant is establishing itself. During this period, ensure the soil does not dry out completely, especially if the spring is dry. Once the peony is rooted and mature, it becomes quite hardy and only requires watering during periods of severe drought in the spring and early summer. After flowering, it handles summer droughts well.

For abundant flowering, peonies need plenty of nutrients. An organic fertilizer rich in potassium, applied in the spring, is ideal. In the autumn, you can mulch around the plant with a thin layer of well-rotted compost.

What to avoid: Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen leads to lush leaf growth at the expense of flowers and increases susceptibility to fungal diseases.

Yes, peonies are classified as poisonous plants. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause nausea and digestive problems. We recommend growing them with caution in gardens where there are small children or animals that like to nibble on greenery.

Growing peonies requires a bit of patience. They are long-lived perennials that need time to establish their roots. A peony blooming in the very first year after planting is the exception rather than the rule. It usually takes several years (about 2 to 3 years) for the plant to reach its full beauty and begin to bloom profusely. In the first few years, we even recommend removing lateral buds so that the plant invests its energy into strengthening the root system.

Definitely yes. Thanks to its simple, open flowers, the Jan van Leeuwen peony is easily accessible to pollinators and attracts bees and other beneficial insects to your garden.

Peonies thrive best in loamy, humus-rich, and well-drained soil that is high in nutrients. It is important that the soil retains adequate moisture without becoming permanently waterlogged. In heavy, wet soil, the roots can rot.

Peonies love the sun. Choose a sunny location for them where they will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, but will bloom most profusely in the sun. It is also important to give them space—count on approximately 1 m² of area for a single plant. They do not like root competition from large shrubs or hedges in their immediate vicinity.

In general, peonies are better suited for garden beds because they require sufficient space for their roots and stable conditions. If you must plant a peony in a pot, it should be sufficiently tall and voluminous. A container with a minimum volume of 30–50 liters is recommended. Adequate drainage holes and a drainage layer are essential. Place the container so that the peony receives at least 6 hours of sun per day and is protected from the wind. Avoid moving the plant unnecessarily.

The most common problem is grey mold (Botrytis cinerea), which manifests as wilting buds or spots on the leaves. Prevention includes:

• Ensuring an airy location for the plant (sufficient spacing).
• Avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization.
• Removing and disposing of infected parts (do not add to the compost!).

Yes, this variety is excellent for cutting. Its pure white flowers with yellow centers are very decorative in vases and have a beautiful fragrance. Cut them at the soft bud stage.