Unstaked beauty: A guide to peonies that stand tall on their own
“I really love peonies, but I don’t like it when the flowers are too heavy and the plant droops…”. This is a common comment I get when I tell friends that I am passionate about peonies.
My answer to them? There are certain types of peonies that are known for their sturdy stems and do not typically require staking. These varieties are valued for their ability to support their own weight, even when laden with many showy blooms.
Herbaceous peonies
These are the most common type of peonies and are known for their lush, herbaceous foliage and beautiful flowers. While the heavy bloomers requite creative ways to stake them, many herbaceous peony cultivars have strong stems that can support their blooms without additional staking.
These non-staking herbaceous peonies are often referred to as “self-supporting” or “non-flopping” varieties. They have naturally sturdy stems that can hold the weight of their flowers without assistance. This is advantageous as it reduces the need for additional maintenance and provides a more natural, unobstructed appearance in the garden.
There are several factors that contribute to the inherent strength and ability of herbaceous peonies to remain upright without staking:
- Strong stem structure: Non-staking herbaceous peonies possess robust, thick stems that are capable of supporting the weight of the flowers. These stems are more rigid and less prone to bending or breaking.
- Compact growth habit: Some herbaceous peony cultivars have a more compact growth habit, which means the foliage and flowers are held closer to the main stem. This compactness helps to provide additional support to the flower heads.
- Single-flowered or Japanese-type peonies: These have a simpler structure with fewer petals, which generally makes their flowers lighter and less prone to flopping. The single blooms are often held more upright on sturdy stems, reducing the need for staking. This natural resilience is one reason why single-flowered peonies are favored by some gardeners who prefer a more informal, natural look in their gardens.
- Breeding and selection: Over the years, plant breeders have developed and selected herbaceous peony cultivars with strong stems. By carefully choosing parent plants with sturdy stems and incorporating those traits through breeding programs, they have created varieties that are less likely to flop or require staking.
‘Do Tell’ (shown in front) is a Japanese/anemone, compact and short variety,
perfect for the front of the border while not requiring support.
However, some large or older specimens with prolific blooms may benefit from support. Factors such as weather conditions, soil fertility, placement in the border, and individual plant health can also influence the need for staking, even within the same cultivar. Observing the growth and bloom habits of each peony and providing appropriate support when necessary is always recommended.
For instance, ‘Coral Charm’ and ‘Buckeye Belle’ may not require staking in their first years but I choose to stake them with tomato cages subsequently.
Intersectional (Itoh) peonies
These peonies are a cross between herbaceous and tree peonies, inheriting the best qualities of both. Intersectional peonies often have strong, upright stems that can withstand the weight of their large, double blooms. They are generally considered less likely to require staking compared to other peony types. [Learn more about Itoh peonies]
These peonies are a cross between herbaceous and tree peonies, inheriting the best qualities of both. Intersectional peonies often have strong, upright stems that can withstand the weight of their large, often semi-double or double, blooms. They are generally considered less likely to require staking compared to other peony types.
The magnificent yellow ‘Bartzella’ is a great example about how stunning a Itoh peony is when not requiring staking.
Tree peonies
While tree peonies have woody stems, they are naturally more sturdy and upright compared to herbaceous peonies. Most tree peonies have robust stems that can support their large, often single or semi-double blooms without the need for staking. However, it’s worth noting that some tree peonies with extremely large and double flowers may still benefit from light support during heavy rain or wind. Single stem props are particularly useful for this purpose.
Tree peony ‘High Noon’ with large and showy yellow flowers.
It’s important to keep in mind that even peonies known for their strong stems can occasionally benefit from support in adverse weather conditions, especially if they have particularly heavy blooms. Additionally, individual growing conditions and environmental factors can influence the strength of the stems. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to observe your peonies and provide adequate support if needed to ensure the best display and prevent any damage.
