The Neon Peony is a striking garden plant, prized for its vivid blooms and lush foliage. Its vibrant color makes it a popular choice for adding a burst of color to any landscape.
Understanding the Neon Peony
The ‘Neon’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Neon’) is an herbaceous perennial. It forms a lush, bushy mound of glossy, dark green foliage, growing up to 36 inches (90 cm) tall and wide. This robust plant is admired for its reliability and vigorous growth.
Its distinctive, large, cup-shaped flowers are a bright lavender-pink. They feature a luminous center of pale rose-pink staminodes, often tipped with gold, creating an almost glowing effect as they unfurl. These mildly fragrant blooms appear heavily in late spring to early summer, lasting about 7-10 days.
Planting Neon Peonies
Neon Peonies thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate some partial shade, full sun promotes the most abundant flowering. Choose a sheltered spot with good air circulation, away from competing trees or shrubs.
They prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.0). Amend heavy clay or depleted soil with a 4-inch layer of compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
Plant bare-root Neon Peonies in fall or early spring. Position the “eyes” (small, reddish buds on the root) no more than one to two inches below the soil surface; planting too deeply can inhibit flowering. Backfill the hole, tamp gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Caring for Your Neon Peony
Newly planted peonies need about one inch of water per week. For mature plants, deep watering every 10 to 14 days is sufficient, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
Fertilizing is not always necessary for established peonies in rich soil. If your plant struggles or blooms poorly, apply a light fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges, and again after petals fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with low nitrogen (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20), or organic options like bone meal or compost. Apply around the plant’s drip line, avoiding direct contact with the crown or stems.
Deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed production and maintain appearance. Allow foliage to remain until it dies back naturally in the fall, as leaves rebuild energy for next season’s blooms. After the first heavy frost, cut stems down to one to two inches above ground and dispose of plant material to minimize disease carryover.
Peonies can encounter fungal diseases like Botrytis blight and powdery mildew, causing discolored foliage, wilting, or damaged blooms. Good air circulation, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering help prevent these issues. Remove affected plant material promptly to limit spread. Ants on peony buds are attracted to sugary sap but are harmless.
Common Challenges and Solutions
A lack of blooms is a common concern. This often results from improper planting depth, where the “eyes” are buried too deeply, or insufficient sunlight (less than six hours daily). Ensure proper planting depth and ample sun for abundant flowering.
Floppy stems are common, especially with large-flowered varieties or after heavy rain. Install plant supports like peony cages, stakes, or hoop supports early in the growing season. These supports provide stability, allowing stems to grow upright and preventing breakage under bloom weight.
Yellowing leaves can indicate several issues. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering stresses the plant; ensure well-drained soil and consistent, deep watering. Nutrient deficiencies or an imbalanced soil pH can also cause yellowing. A soil test helps identify specific needs, allowing for appropriate fertilizer or soil amendments.