The ‘Moon Over Barrington’ peony is a sought-after addition to many gardens, celebrated for its exquisite blooms and graceful presence. This particular cultivar offers timeless elegance that can enhance various landscape designs. Its popularity stems from its visual appeal and its ability to thrive with proper care. It provides a striking focal point in garden beds and is a favorite for cut flower arrangements.
Distinctive Traits of ‘Moon Over Barrington’
The ‘Moon Over Barrington’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is known for its large, double, bomb-type flowers, which can reach up to 8 inches across. These impressive blooms typically begin as soft pink buds and gradually unfurl into creamy white petals, often exhibiting golden undertones as they mature. The petals are arranged in a rounded, cup-like form, creating a full and lush appearance.
This cultivar emits a delicate, sweet fragrance. The plant features lush, dark green foliage that provides a striking backdrop for the pale blooms. ‘Moon Over Barrington’ typically grows to a height of about 60 cm (24 inches) to 81 cm (32 inches) and blooms from late spring to mid-season. Its stems are noted for being strong and sturdy, capable of supporting the heavy flowers, though some sources indicate they may nod due to the weight.
Planting and Establishing Your Peony
Successful establishment of ‘Moon Over Barrington’ begins with proper planting, ideally in the fall. Select a location that receives six hours of direct sunlight daily, as ample sun is necessary for abundant blooms. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5.
To prepare the planting site, dig a hole that is twice the width of the peony’s root system and about 10-12 inches deep. Loosen the soil at the bottom and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Position the peony root with the “eyes” (growth buds) facing upward, ensuring they are no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deeply is a common reason for peonies failing to bloom. After backfilling with soil, gently firm it down to remove air pockets and water thoroughly.
Essential Care for Thriving Blooms
Once established, ‘Moon Over Barrington’ peonies require consistent care to produce their impressive blooms. During dry periods, especially in the first growing season, deep watering every 7 to 10 days is beneficial to encourage a robust root system. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can promote fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
Peonies are not heavy feeders, so over-fertilization should be avoided, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers. If your soil is poor, a light application of a balanced fertilizer or bone meal in early summer after blooming, or well-rotted cow dung in fall, can be sufficient.
Remove spent flowers (deadhead) to prevent seed formation, redirecting the plant’s energy towards root development. Providing support, such as a grow-through ring or stakes, can help prevent the heavy blooms from flopping. In the fall, after the foliage has died back naturally, cut the stems to ground level.
Addressing Common Peony Issues
Several factors can cause peonies to underperform or exhibit problems. A common concern is the lack of blooms, which often stems from planting the peony too deeply or insufficient sunlight. Ensure proper planting depth and adequate sun exposure. Newly planted peonies may also take a few years to establish and bloom reliably.
Peonies can be susceptible to fungal diseases like Botrytis blight (gray mold) and powdery mildew, particularly in conditions with poor air circulation. Symptoms of Botrytis include dark brown spots on young growth and wilting, while powdery mildew appears as a whitish coating on leaves. To prevent these issues, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected plant parts promptly. Ants on peony buds are generally harmless; they are attracted to the sugary nectar and do not cause damage to the plant or flowers.