Wind, heavy rain or heavy flower heads can cause peonies to snap. However, a plant support can help here.
A green thumb alone is not always enough to optimally care for peonies. The flowers of the magnificent plant eventually become so heavy that the perennial can no longer hold them. The result is drooping leaves and flower heads. In addition to the weight, weather influences such as storms or rain are also partly responsible for the peony buckling or, even worse, you having to pick up the flowers from the ground. To avoid this, it is advisable to provide the peonies with plant supports.
Where to get a support for peonies?
The easiest way to buy a support is to go to the hardware store, because there is a large selection of different materials. If you have the choice, it is best to always use wooden or metal supports (e.g. available here), because these give the peony the best support.
If you want to save money, you can also build a support yourself. Just use wire and wooden sticks for this. Due to its flexible nature, bamboo is particularly suitable. Now simply put the sticks in a circle around your plant and make sure that the sticks are firmly anchored in the ground. Then wrap wire around the construction afterwards. The self-made plant support is ready.
Attach the support to the peony
Tip 1 - Attach support in spring:
If you're looking to prop up your peonies, it's important to think ahead. That means: make sure to attach the support in the spring, when the shoots are not yet fully developed. This allows your plant to grow into the support, giving it optimal support.
Tip 2 - Don't constrict the plant:
Do not constrict the plant too much, but give it enough space to develop freely. If the leaves are too close together, a lot of moisture collects on the peony. This would create the perfect breeding ground for fungi and other diseases. Apart from that, the plant parts cut otherwisein strong winds into the support, which can cause branches and blossoms to break off.
Tip 3 - Fertilize the plant regularly:
Provide your peonies with Thomaskali in spring and August alongside well-rotted compost. While the phosphorus it contains is important for plant flowering, the potassium promotes the peony's sugar and starch balance. It develops a he althy and strong plant structure. A vigorous plant does not need additional supports.