Supporting Top-Heavy Peonies for Maximum Bloom

Peonies are prized for their huge, fragrant blooms in late spring. But the profusion of flowers on some varieties can often cause flopping and top-heaviness. Properly propping up peonies ensures the blooms stay upright and on display rather than face down on the ground.

Follow these tips for keeping your peony bushes supported and flowering beautifully

Set Up Supports Early

Don’t wait until peonies start flopping to put up supports. Set up a support system for each plant in early spring before rapid growth begins. This prevents damage to emerging shoots and stems.

The best time is when peony sprouts are 4-6 inches tall. Supports can be left in place year after year.

Use Sturdy Single or Double Rings

Commercial peony rings made of strong wire or metal are the best option for supporting peonies Single rings are sufficient for most plants Very floriferous, top-heavy varieties may need a double ring for maximum stability.

Push the support rings 6-12 inches into the ground around the peony clump. The ring should encircle the entire plant without cutting into stems.

Bamboo, Twine, and Tomatoe Cages Also Work

If peony rings are not available, bamboo stakes, garden twine, or stiff wire tomato cages can also work to prop up peonies. Use at least 3-4 stakes or make a triangular cage around plants.

Crisscross twine in a diamond pattern between the stakes to create a mesh support. Keep twine loose enough to allow emerging shoots room.

Use Proper Staking Techniques

When using bamboo stakes and garden twine to support peonies:

• Place stakes 6-12 inches from the plant, angled slightly outward. Use at least 3 stakes per plant.

• Secure stakes 1-2 inches deep in the ground to anchor them.

• Start criss-crossing twine when shoots are 4-6 inches tall. Wrap it loosely so stems have room to grow.

• Tie twine securely to each stake to keep the support structure rigid.

• Add more twine criss-crosses as stems lengthen. Aim for 4-6 inch diamond gaps.

Try Peony Cages for Single Plants

Decorative peony cages made of metal provide interest and support. Place the cage ring over the peony clump and push the legs into the soil 6-12 inches to stabilize it. No staking required!

For large, heavily flowering bushes, use double peony cages, one inside the other. Or place short posts under a standard cage for added support.

Add Supplemental Stakes If Needed

Even with rings or cages, some top-heavy peonies may need extra help. Insert 1-2 sturdy stakes on either side of exceptional large blooms to prevent flopping.

Use soft plant ties or twist ties to gently secure heavy flower heads to the stakes. Avoid damaging the stem.

Monitor Support Systems

Check peony supports regularly once plants start actively growing and flowering. Add additional rings, stakes, or twine as needed to accommodate growth.

Plants can outgrow supports quickly in peak growth periods. Reinforce wobbly supports to keep peonies upright.

Remove Supports Seasonally or Annually

Peony supports can be removed each year after bloom is finished, or left in place for multiple seasons.

To remove just for winter, gently lift up supports in fall after plants die back. Store rings and stakes for reuse next spring.

If leaving supports over winter, check that they are not cutting into stems as growth resumes in spring.

Proper Pruning Improves Air Circulation

While supports keep peonies upright, proper pruning is also key to prevent flopping. Pruning improves air circulation and light penetration to minimize disease.

In fall, cut back stems to 6 inches above ground level. Remove excess debris and thin congested clumps. Discard diseased stems.

Pruning reduces the leverage weighing down mature plants. Combine with supports for best results.

Know Which Varieties May Need Supports

Some peony varieties are much more prone to flopping and need proactive staking:

• ‘Bartzella’ – Pale yellow double blooms are heavy

• ‘Bowl of Beauty’ – Japanese type has large, ruffled blooms

• ‘Coral Sunset’ – Profuse semi-double blooms

• ‘Felix Crousse’ – Huge, ruby red blooms

• ‘Karl Rosenfield’ – Bright red double blooms

• ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ – Rose-pink blooms up to 8 inches wide

• ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ – Vibrant pink double blooms on weak stems

Keep these top-heavy varieties on your radar for proactive staking year after year.

Staking Peonies in Pots or Containers

Potted peonies often need extra support beyond the container sides. Insert 1-2 strong stakes next to the plant and gently tie stems to keep blooms upright.

Use soft plant ties to avoid damaging delicate blooms. Check ties frequently as stems grow and elongate.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

When supporting top-heavy peonies, be sure to avoid these common errors:

• Waiting until after flopping occurs to add supports

• Using flimsy, weak stakes that cannot hold up blooms

• Allowing twine or ties to cut into tender stems

• Failing to check supports and reinforce as needed

• Not removing or loosening supports properly in fall

• Forgetting to stake new plants or those previously staked

• Staking too tightly, restricting growth and air flow

With proper preparation and diligent monitoring, you can keep even the most prolifically flowering peony standing tall. Follow these tips for showstopping blooms that don’t end up in the dirt!

Key Takeaways for Staking Peonies

• Set up support rings or stakes in early spring before rapid growth

• Use strong metal, wire, or bamboo supports 6-12 inches from plants

• Add twine crisscrosses loosely as stems lengthen

• Check supports frequently and reinforce wobbly parts

• Remove supports seasonally or keep over winter

• Combine with pruning for improved air circulation

• Proactively stake known floppy varieties every year

• Avoid waiting until after flopping or using flimsy stakes

• Support potted peonies with sturdy stakes and soft ties

Keeping your peony blooms on display rather than on the ground is easy with proper preparation and care. Consistent staking allows you to enjoy these stunners at their best!