Peonies in Nina’s Montana Garden – Fine Gardening

Hi GPODers!

Winter may be at its peak, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start anticipating spring color. Nina Eadie in Corvallis, Montana, shared her new garden with the blog last spring (Nina’s Spring Garden in Montana), and today she’s back to celebrate the season again. This time, she’s giving attention to a plant she was not able to enjoy before her move to Hardiness Zone 5: peonies. In a short amount of time she has amassed a wonderful collection, and her photos might just have you salivating for spring.

I’ve gardened all my life, but the last 20 years in Montana. Going from a lifetime of Zone 4 gardening to Zone 5 was a peculiar challenge, but it’s also opened up a whole new world of plant opportunities, particularly peonies. I’m a big fan of the intersectionals, mainly because they don’t need staking. The color selections are somewhat limited though, so there’s still a need for the herbaceous ones!

Intersectional ‘Hillary’ peony (Paeonia ‘Hillary’, Zones 4–8)

Intersectional ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ peony (Paeonia ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, Zones 4–8)

Herbaceous ‘Rose Heart’ peony (Paeonia ‘Rose Heart’, Zones 3–8)

Herbaceous ‘Lois’ Choice’ peony (Paeonia ‘Lois’ Choice’, Zones 3–8)

Intersectional ‘Scarlet Heaven’ peony (Paeonia ‘Scarlet Heaven’, Zones 4–8) with ‘The President’ clematis (Clematis ‘The President’, Zones 4–8). Note the frost cloth over the vegetable bed in upper left, a permanent fixture until the end of June, just in case!

Herbaceous ‘Bowl of Beauty’ peony (Paeonia ‘Bowl of Beauty’, Zones 4–8)

Intersectional ‘Old Rose Dandy’ peony (Paeonia ‘Old Rose Dandy’, Zones 4–8) with swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

When finished blooming, peony foliage adds texture and depth until frost.

And they’re unsurpassed as cut flowers.

Thank you so much for this tour of your sensational peony collection, Nina! You’ve selected a fantastic assortment that adds stunning color in your garden and inside your home.

What spring flowers are you most looking forward to? Are you a peony admirer like Nina? Do you sprinkle your landscape in endless spring bulbs or do you let early-flowering trees and shrubs steal the show? Let us know in the comments, or consider sharing photos of your favorite spring plants with the blog. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!

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