How to Prop Up Peonies for Maximum Beauty

Peonies are prized for their huge, fragrant blooms in late spring. But their profusion of flowers can often cause flopping and top-heaviness. Learning how to properly prop up peonies ensures the blooms stay upright and on display.

Follow these tips for keeping your peony bushes supported and flowering magnificently.

Set Up Supports Early

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

The optimal 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 rigid wire or metal work best for supporting peonies. Single rings sufficiently support most plants. Very prolific, top-heavy varieties may need a double ring for maximum stability.

Push the support rings 6-12 inches into the ground encircling the entire plant without cutting into stems.

Bamboo, Twine, and Cages Also Work

If peony rings aren’t available, bamboo stakes, garden twine, or stiff wire tomato cages can also 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 supportive mesh. Keep twine loose enough for emerging shoots.

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 to anchor them.

• Start crisscrossing 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 structure rigid.

• Add more criss-crossed twine as stems lengthen, aiming for 4-6 inch diamond gaps.

Try Peony Cages for Single Plants

Decorative peony cages with a ring over the clump and legs pushed 6-12 inches into the soil stabilize without staking. No staking required!

For large, heavily blooming 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 exceptionally large blooms to prevent flopping.

Use soft plant ties or twist ties to gently secure heavy flower heads to the stakes without damaging the stem.

Monitor Support Systems

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

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

Remove Supports Seasonally or Annually

Peony supports can be removed each year after blooming finishes, or left in place for multiple seasons.

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

If leaving supports over winter, ensure they aren’t 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. 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 Varieties Prone to Flopping

Some peony varieties are 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’ – Prolific 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 preventive staking annually.

Stake Potted Peonies

Potted peonies often need extra support beyond container sides. Insert 1-2 strong stakes next to the plant and gently tie stems to keep blooms upright with soft plant ties. Frequently check ties as stems grow and elongate.

Avoid Common Mistakes

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

• Waiting until after flopping to add supports
• Using flimsy, weak stakes that can’t hold blooms
• Allowing twine or ties to cut into tender stems
• Failing to check and reinforce supports as needed
• Not removing or loosening supports properly in fall
• Forgetting to stake new or previously staked plants
• Staking too tightly, restricting growth and air flow

With proper preparation and diligent monitoring, you can keep even the most prolific bloomers standing tall. Follow these tips for showstopping blooms that don’t end up on the ground!

To prevent peonies from falling over, gardeners can use several support methods. One common technique is to install stakes (wood or metal) around the plant and use twine or netting to create a supportive cage according to Longfield Gardens. Another option is to use peony cages or hoops, which come in various sizes and can be placed around the plant early in the season.