How should I care for my peony?
Q I found a new plant growing in my garden that I hadn’t planted. As we were moving house, I potted it up and took it with me. When it grew I identified it as a peony with red flowers. I am thrilled, but how should I grow it? I’d like it in a pot.
Margaret Drury (via email)
A I am delighted that the mystery plant is a peony. The fact that it has red flowers indicates that it is a Paeonia suffruticosa seedling. What a find!
When growing in a border, peonies like fertile, rich soil that drains well and they will also thrive in a sunny spot.
Now that your treasure is 3ft (90cm) high and needs potting on, I suggest that you do it now, watering it the night before to loosen roots clinging to the pot side. Then, tap it from its container to minimise damaging roots and transfer it to a pot 9in (23cm) larger in diameter.
Initially, cover the drainage hole with 3in (7cm) of crocks or gravel before adding 4in (10cm) of loam-based John Innes No3 compost, which is designed to nurture hungry plants such as shrubs.
Nestle the rootball into the compost and top it up, to within 3in (7cm) of the pot rim, with more of the same mix.
