Peonies are among the great cut flowers — enormous, fragrant, opulent blooms in shades of white, cream, pink, coral, and deep crimson that last surprisingly well in the vase when cut at the right moment. Plant bare-root divisions in autumn with the eyes no more than 1–2 inches below the soil surface; too deep and they refuse to flower. They are perennial and long-lived — a well-sited peony will still be blooming in thirty years.
Cut for the vase when the buds are showing full colour but are still firm — the 'soft marshmallow' stage. At this point they will continue to open indoors and last 5–7 days. Fully open blooms are beautiful but short-lived once cut. Ants on the buds are normal and harmless — they're after the nectar and cause no damage.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Grey fuzzy mould on petals and stems, worst in cool wet conditions.
Remove affected parts immediately. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply copper fungicide if severe.
Powdery mildew
White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.
Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.