How to Grow and Care for Itoh Peony Bulbs

Growing Itoh peony bulbs requires careful planning and execution. Plant them in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes, in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade, as Itoh peonies can tolerate a range of light conditions. They prefer rich soil with a mix of compost and organic matter.

Itoh peonies are relatively low maintenance, but they do require regular watering, especially during their first growing season. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

In areas with extreme winters, it's essential to mulch around the plants to protect them from frost and freezing temperatures. A layer of 2-3 inches of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, will help keep the soil from freezing and prevent damage to the bulbs.

Recommended read: How to Grow Peonies in Containers

I've found that Itoh peonies are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care and upkeep.

These plants are hardy in zones 3-8, making them suitable for a wide range of climates.

The Morning Lilac Itoh Peony produces bright fuchsia purple, 8" semi-double blooms with a touch of deep purple.

Its attractive foliage is a bonus, with dark green leaves that turn gray-green in summer and bright orange and red in the fall.

Here are some key details about the Morning Lilac Itoh Peony:

The plant's compact size makes it a great choice for smaller gardens or containers, even when not in bloom.

Planting Itoh peony bulbs requires some care, but don't worry, it's easy.

Dig a hole large enough to spread out the roots without bending them. Set the crown with buds 1" below ground-level and water in thoroughly. Plant at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes.

Itoh peonies love full sun to partial shade, so choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight.

The soil requirements are pretty flexible - they'll tolerate acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy soil, but they do prefer well-drained, deep, fertile soil.

To keep your Itoh peonies happy, water them regularly but don't overwater. The soil should never dry out completely.

Fertilization is key - feed your Itoh peonies once or twice a year, best in spring and summer when they're actively growing. They love fertile soil, so make sure to give them what they need.

After the flowers have bloomed, remove the spent flower stems to encourage new growth.

In the first year, mulch the soil with +/-2" of material to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove the mulch in early spring before new growth starts.

Related reading: Transplant Peonies in Spring

Bartzella is a type of ITOH (Intersectional Peony) that's worth getting to know. It grows to a height of 50cm+ and a width of 30cm.

To plant Bartzella, you'll need to provide it with a spot that gets full sun to partly shaded conditions with free draining soil. This is essential for its growth and health.

A frost is necessary for Bartzella's development, so make sure to choose a spot that experiences cold mornings. In fact, it's best suited to growing in areas with a frost each year.

If you're planning to use Bartzella as a cut flower, you'll love its fragrant blooms. It's also a great choice for long-term garden beds, where it can grow up to 100cm wide.

Here are some key details to keep in mind when planting Bartzella: