The Lola Fay peony, often referred to as ‘Paula Fay’ Peony, is a highly desirable garden plant, celebrated for its vibrant blooms and robust nature. This guide offers comprehensive information on cultivating and maintaining this specific peony variety.
Understanding Lola Fay Peony
The Lola Fay peony is an herbaceous hybrid, recognized for its semi-double flowers. These blooms feature bright, vivid pink petals, sometimes described as magenta or hot pink, encircling a cheerful cluster of golden-yellow stamens at their center. This cultivar is an early bloomer, typically gracing gardens from late spring through early summer, often among the first peonies to emerge.
Lola Fay peonies exhibit a bushy, mounded growth habit, reaching a mature height of 24 to 36 inches and spreading 18 to 36 inches wide. The glossy, dark green foliage remains attractive throughout summer, even after the blooms have faded, and can develop an appealing fall color. This perennial is known for its strong stems, which generally hold the large flowers upright without staking.
Planting and Growing Lola Fay
Selecting the proper planting site is important for the Lola Fay peony’s success. This plant thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. Adequate air circulation is also beneficial; choose a location away from competing tree or shrub roots.
Lola Fay peonies prefer rich, fertile, and well-drained soil. A neutral soil pH is ideal, though they can adapt to slightly acidic or alkaline conditions. Incorporating compost or other organic matter into the soil before planting can significantly improve drainage and nutrient content. When planting, position the peony roots with the “eyes” (small buds) pointing upwards and cover them with 1 to 2 inches of soil. Plant specimens 20 to 36 inches apart.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, Lola Fay peonies are relatively low-maintenance. They have average water needs; generally, water when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as consistently wet soil can lead to root rot. Watering deeply once or twice before blooming helps maintain soil moisture.
Fertilizing is not always necessary every year, especially if the soil was well-amended at planting. When fertilizing, apply a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 10-20-20 blend, in early spring as new growth emerges. Apply the fertilizer in a ring around the plant, then water it in.
Deadhead spent blooms by clipping the stem just below the faded flower. In the fall, after the foliage has died back, cut the stems down to about 3 inches from the ground to prepare the plant for winter. In severely cold zones, a layer of mulch over the roots can provide additional winter protection.
Common Issues and Solutions
While generally robust, Lola Fay peonies can encounter a few common issues. A lack of blooms, known as “blindness,” can result from planting too deeply, insufficient sunlight, or excessive nitrogen. Ensure the “eyes” are not buried more than 2 inches deep and the plant receives ample sun.
Peonies can be susceptible to fungal diseases like botrytis blight, which causes buds and stems to rot, especially in humid conditions. Proper spacing improves air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal issues. Removing and disposing of infected plant material promptly can help prevent spread.
Powdery mildew can also appear as a white, powdery coating on leaves. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can minimize its occurrence. Ants are often seen on peony buds, attracted to the sugary sap, but they are generally harmless and do not damage the plant or prevent blooming.