Staking the Herbaceous Peonies

April 14, 2022

The gardens at my Bedford, New York farm are changing every day.

One of the most anticipated sights on the farm is my herbaceous peony garden in full bloom. No garden is complete without these beautiful plants, which are covered with large, imposing flowers in May and June. True perennials, herbaceous peonies can live for 100-years, becoming more impressive over time. Yesterday, my gardeners and outdoor grounds crew staked all the herbaceous peonies in the bed across from my Winter House. At maturity, these plants grow to about three-feet tall and need good support, so the massive flower heads don’t flop over once they bloom.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

: Herbaceous peonies are very hardy perennials and thrive in USDA zones 3 to 8. In early April, most of the herbaceous peonies begin emerging from the ground, but they grow very quickly and need to be supported to protect the large heavy flowers.

: Once the stems are several inches tall, it’s time to stake each of the rows of peonies, so they are well-bolstered as they mature. I planted various peony flower types in this bed: single, semi-double, double and anemone-type blossoms.

: Peonies are native throughout the northern hemisphere and have been cultivated for centuries both in Europe and Asia.

: Instead of rings that are available at many garden centers, I use these metal stakes that I designed myself for my farm. Each metal support has two eyes, one at the top and one in the middle.

: The stakes are about three feet tall.

: These herbaceous peonies are all surrounded in the garden within a hedge of rounded boxwood shrubs, making it a focal point on the property and in the overall landscape here at my farm.

: The first step is to insert a stake every four-feet around the perimeter of each row. My peony garden is planted with 11 double rows of 22 herbaceous peony plants, 44 in each row of the same variety.

: Each of the stakes is positioned, so the eyes face the same direction.

: Because there are so many rows, Phurba works to position the stakes…

: As Brian follows pushing the stakes several inches deep into the ground.

: We use a natural jute twine for this project and for many gardening projects around the farm. Twine like this is available in large spools online and in some specialty garden supply shops.

: After all the stakes are in place, Phurba and Brian begin lacing twine through the middle stake eyes in a zigzag pattern all the way down the row. Herbaceous peonies need an area with fertile, well-drained soil and full sun.

: Phurba ties one end of the twine to the lower eye of the first stake.

: And then feeds it through the eyes all the way down the aisle. It is easier to do the bottom row first.

: I designed the eyes to be big enough for the many threads of twine. These have worked so well for me over the years.

: Once the bottom is done, Brian laces the top row in the same manner.

: Another line of twine is also secured around the entire row to hold all those heavy blooms at the edge.

: It takes several hours to do all the beds, but it’s the perfect time to stake them since they are not yet full height.

: Here is what a row looks like all done – very neat and tidy, and every peony plant supported by twine. The stakes and twine create such an artistic and geometric pattern.

: This technique allows support from every direction. In just a few short weeks, this garden will be filled with stunning shades of pink and white. I am so happy to say, this garden is a huge success and joy every year.