Due to heavy sales our online Peony catalog is closed for 2010.  Herbaceous peonies are generally what our grandmothers grew in their gardens in the north.  They are also what we are most accustomed to seeing in northern gardens at this time.  Many new hybrids in the lactiflora group have become available in recent years, as well as hybrids between various species and hybrids.  The group as a whole has seen a renaissance of sorts that has produced some of the most gorgeous flowers to grace North American gardens since flower gardening became popular.  Herbaceous peonies are well suited for the north due to their below ground dormancy in winter months and are very durable and adaptable. 

Peonies are exceptionally good bouquet or picking flowers and can last for long periods in a vase.  Sometimes insects are carried in with flowers, so a good cleaning or shaking may be needed before bring them to your table.  This type of peony can attract ants, but there is no scientific evidence that ants are required for proper flower opening or that these ants then travel into the houses.  In fact, the type of ants that frequent these big gorgeous blooms are not ants that will go indoors, but rather, spend their lives out-of-doors.  Many myths concerning this flower and ants exist and most are unfounded.

Herbaceous peonies, especially the lactiflora group, often require staking or cages to hold up their heavy blooms.  Many of the newer hybrids and some of the lactifloras have been specially selected for their ability to hold their flowers up.  The American Peony Society has begun an award listing of plants that are specifically good for garden and landscape purposes (Award of Landscape Merit-ALM).  Not all plants that hold their flowers up are on their listing, but more will be added as time passes.

Solaris Farms sells 3 to 5 eye standard divisions.  In many cases we try to include more eyes, if the root division will support them.  Some of the hybrid plants do not produce divisions with the standard number of eyes, but we always ship blooming size divisions with nice roots.  Most plants should bloom within a year or two of planting, given proper care.  Peonies are only shipped during the autumn or fall season, after they have produced their dormant eyes for the following year.  Many companies will sell peonies throughout the year, but fall is the best time to plant peonies and the plants quickly become far more productive than those planted at other times.