Paeonia Kansas

Paeonia 'Kansas' is a wonderful peony that has been another star in our heat-tolerance trials as one of the best of the doubles in our studies. The 36" tall stems are topped, in May, with large, double, bright watermelon-pink (RHS 66A) flowers. M. Bigger's amazing hybrid was the 1959 winner of the American Peony Society's Gold Medal Award. Maintenance: Herbaceous peonies requires virtually no maintenance once planted in the garden. At the end of the season (September), the old stalks can be removed. Aphids may appear on the flower buds of peonies, but this is usually not a problem unless you use fast-release chemical fertilizers. If you do find them on your peonies, soapy water usually is enough to eliminate the problem. If you need to move or divide your peony plants, the best time is mid-summer. Growing Conditions: 'Kansas' peony prefers full sun for 6+ hours for best flowering. Although all herbaceous peonies are somewhat drought tolerant, they perform their best in rich soils with even summer moisture. By the end of summer, they have started to go summer dormant, so don't be alarmed by foliage turning yellow, then brown. Garden Value: Peonies have great value for their bright, over-the-top mid-spring flowers, most of which are quite fragrant. We recommend using them around other plants which come into flower late in the season, to extend the garden flowering season. Natural Impact: Bees are the primary pollinator of peonies.