Growing and Maintenance Tips

Itoh peonies are very hardy and easy to grow. They do best in a rich loamy soil that is well-drained. The planting hole should be larger and deeper than the new peony to be planted. The soil for filling-in should be mixed with compost, especially for sandier soils. Itohs should be planted with the roots well-covered. Unlike herbaceous peonies, there are often a few buds at the base of the old stems which should be at the soil surface or slightly higher.
Once established, peonies need minimal watering or fertilizer, although they appreciate an annual mulch of compost. In most climates, natural rainfall should be sufficient. It is not essential to deadhead after flowering. Although it may look like there are seeds in there, Itohs are sterile and do not develop viable seeds. In the fall, stems can be cut back to approximately 30 cm above the soil or you can wait until the spring when they begin to grow and cut back to live buds.