Your peonies are opening. This is the window you waited all year for — and it closes fast.
With the right care during bloom, each flower lasts longer, the plant stays healthier, and next year's display will be just as strong. Here's what to do right now.
Support Heavy Blooms Before They Fall Over
Peony blooms are heavy. A single fully open flower can weigh enough to bend or snap its stem — especially after rain.
If your plants don't already have support, add it now. A simple peony ring, garden stake, or even a few bamboo sticks with soft twine will hold the stems upright without damaging them.
Do not tie stems too tightly — leave room for natural movement. The goal is support, not restraint.
Terra carries home garden tools and accessories including stakes and support supplies for exactly this. → Shop garden plant support stakes
Water at the Base, Not the Bloom
During bloom, how you water matters more than how much.
Water directly at the base of the plant — never overhead. Wet petals and leaves during bloom create the ideal conditions for botrytis blight, a grey fungal disease that spreads quickly in Ottawa's spring humidity and turns petals brown.
Water in the morning so any moisture on leaves evaporates before evening. Deep, infrequent watering (once or twice a week) is better than light daily watering — it encourages roots to grow downward rather than staying shallow.
Don't Deadhead Yet — But Watch for Spent Flowers
While flowers are still opening and at peak bloom, leave them alone. Deadheading too early cuts the display short.
The right time to remove a flower is when petals begin to brown and drop on their own. At that point, cut the stem back to the first set of healthy leaves below the spent bloom — this redirects the plant's energy back to root development rather than seed production.
A clean cut is essential. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears — a crushed stem is an entry point for disease.
Terra's garden tool collection includes options for this.
→ Shop pruning shears
Avoid Fertilizing During Bloom
This is one of the most common mistakes: applying fertilizer while the plant is actively flowering.
Fertilizing during bloom pushes the plant toward leaf and stem growth — not flowers. It can also shorten bloom time. If you want to fertilize, the right windows are early spring before buds appear, or after all blooms have finished in late June or early July.
For soil health between seasons, Terra carries plant food and soil supplies suited for Ottawa garden conditions.
Watch for Ants — They're Normal
If you see ants on your peony buds, don't spray them. Ants are attracted to the sweet nectar peony buds produce — and they do no harm to the flower.
The old myth that peonies need ants to open is not accurate. Buds open on their own. But ants are a natural and harmless part of the peony bloom cycle. Leave them alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do peonies bloom in Ottawa? In Ottawa's Zone 5b climate, individual peony plants bloom for approximately 7 to 14 days. The overall peony season across the city runs from late May through late June, depending on the variety and the year's temperatures.
Why are my peony buds not opening? The most common reasons are insufficient sunlight (peonies need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily), overly wet soil, or a late frost that damaged the bud. In Ottawa, a cold snap in mid-May can delay opening by several days.
Should I cut peonies back after they bloom? No — not yet.
After blooming, leave all foliage in place until the first hard frost in fall, typically late October in Ottawa. The leaves continue producing energy for next year's flowers.
Read our full guide on what to do after bloom: Peony Care After Blooming.
Can I bring cut peonies indoors without harming the plant? Yes, as long as you leave at least two to three sets of leaves on each stem you cut. Removing too many leaves reduces the plant's ability to store energy for next year.
Don't Want to Wait for Your Garden Peonies?
Garden peonies bloom on their own schedule. Fresh cut peonies from Terra are available right now — custom bouquets and arrangements, with same-day delivery across Ottawa and Gatineau.
Want to make it a complete gift? Pair your flowers with one of our gift boxes, or explore our Wedding A La Carte service if you're planning a June wedding.
Order Fresh Peonies While They're Available →
Terra Flowers & Flavours Unit 102/103, 220 Kennevale Drive, Barrhaven, Ottawa, ON K2J 6B6 📞 613-440-0033 | terraplantsandflowers.ca
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