The Complete Guide to Planting and Caring for Stunning Sarah Bernhardt Peonies

Sarah Bernhardt peonies are prized for their lush fragrant pink blooms and romantic, vintage appeal. Named after the iconic French actress, this peony variety has been beloved by gardeners since its introduction in 1906.

If you want to add timeless elegance to your garden, Sarah Bernhardt peonies are an excellent choice. Follow this complete guide for tips on planting, caring for, and propagating these stunning heirloom peonies.

Optimal Conditions for Sarah Bernhardt Peonies

Sarah Bernhardt peonies thrive when provided with:

• Sunlight Full sun to partial shade. Morning sun is ideal, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

• Soil Rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 65-7.0 Amend clay soil with compost.

• Water: Consistent moisture, about 1-2 inches per week. Avoid wet feet.

• Temperature: Prefer cool weather and need a winter chilling period. Ideal temps are 65-75°F during the day and 40-50°F at night.

• Humidity: Tolerant of average humidity levels.

• Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

When to Plant Sarah Bernhardt Peony Bulbs

Sarah Bernhardt peonies can be planted in either spring or fall:

• Spring: After the threat of hard frost has passed. Plant as early as possible, typically March-April. This gives the roots time to establish before summer.

• Fall: 6-8 weeks before first frost, usually September-October. Growth will be limited until the following spring. Apply winter mulch after planting.

Spring planting is recommended for fastest bloom time. Bulbs planted in fall may not flower until the second year. If planting in fall, choose the biggest bulbs available.

How to Plant Sarah Bernhardt Peony Bulbs

Follow these steps when planting Sarah Bernhardt peony bulbs:

1. Prepare the planting bed in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-draining soil. Improve heavy clay soil with organic compost.

2. Dig holes 2 times deeper and 3 times wider than the bulb. Space holes 24-36 inches apart.

3. Place a 2-4 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the hole for drainage.

4. Set the bulb in the hole with the eyes or growth buds facing up. The roots should face down.

5. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the bulb.

6. Water thoroughly after planting.

7. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the bulbs to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

8. Stake taller varieties that may flop from the weight of blooms.

9. Mark bulbs with plant tags if planting more than one variety.

Plant bulbs at proper depth according to package directions – too shallow and they won’t bloom well, too deep and growth will be inhibited.

Caring for Sarah Bernhardt Peonies

Follow these care tips to keep your Sarah Bernhardt peonies thriving:

• Water 1-2 inches per week during the first year to establish an extensive root system. Reduce watering after the first year.

• Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes. Use a blooming formula while in flower.

• Monitor for diseases like botrytis, leaf spot, wilt, and viruses. Avoid overhead watering and promote air circulation.

• Stake plants to support the heavy double flower heads.

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.

• Cut back stems when they brown in fall and discard debris to prevent disease.

• Mulch plants to protect the crowns from harsh winter weather. Avoid mulching too early in fall.

• Divide crowded clumps every 3-5 years in fall after foliage dies back.

Propagating Sarah Bernhardt Peonies

Sarah Bernhardt peonies can be propagated by:

• Division: The easiest method. Dig up mature plants in fall and divide into sections with 3-5 eyes and plenty of roots. Replant divisions right away.

• Seeds: Allow a few spent flowers to form seed pods. Sow ripe seeds in fall. Germination may take 2+ years.

• Root cuttings: Take 5-6 inch cuttings from fleshy roots in fall. Plant horizontally 1-2 inches deep in light soil.

• Grafting: Graft a scion onto established peony rootstock in early spring. Requires expertise.

• Air layering: Girdle a low stem and coat with moist sphagnum moss in spring. Roots should form by fall for transplanting.

Division is the simplest and most effective way to propagate additional Sarah Bernhardt peonies for expanding your garden display.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Lack of flowers: Ensure the plant gets sufficient winter chill. Hot climates, excess shade, overfertilizing, or planting too deeply can also inhibit blooming.

• Wilting: Can indicate verticillium wilt. Improve drainage and avoid waterlogged soil. Discard infected plants.

• Leaf spots: A sign of fungal disease. Apply preventative fungicide and remove diseased foliage promptly.

• Insect pests: Sarah Bernhardt peonies are typically pest-resistant. Monitor for aphids, thrips, beetles, and caterpillars. Use insecticidal soap sprays if infestations occur.

• Flopping: Stake plants to support heavy blooms and prevent storm damage.

With proper planting and care, Sarah Bernhardt peonies will thrive for decades in the garden. Their sumptuous pink blooms and delightful fragrance make them a treasured addition for any peony lover. Follow this guide to successfully grow, propagate, and troubleshoot issues with your own heirloom Sarah Bernhardt peonies.