Garden Candy® Summer Sunset™ Itoh Peony Plant

1. Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, ideally with plenty of organic matter. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root system, typically around 12 inches. Space your peonies about 3 feet apart to allow for their mature spread. Plant at the same depth as they were in their nursery container, ensuring the "eyes" (buds) are just below the surface.

2. Watering: Establish a consistent watering schedule, providing about an inch of water weekly. During dry spells, ensure your peony receives adequate moisture without letting the soil become overly saturated. Once established, this plant can handle short periods of drought.

3. Pruning: After blooming, cut back the spent flowers to redirect the plant's energy into growth rather than seed production. In the fall, once the foliage yellows, cut back the stems to ground level. This helps promote healthy new growth in the spring.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring as the new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms. A light layer of compost can also provide necessary nutrients throughout the growing season.