How To Grow A Shirley Temple Peony – For A Touch Of Sweetness In Your Spring Garden

If the word “lovely” were a flower, it would likely be a ‘Shirley Temple’ peony. These landscape favorites have huge white blossoms, washed lightly in rose, and looking both innocent and luxurious at the same time. This spring-bloomer sits on lush, clumping foliage yet is among the easiest plants to grow.

Are you ready for ‘Shirley Temple’ double peony plants to light up your spring? Read on for all you need to know.

‘Shirley Temple’ Peony Care

'Shirley Temple' peonies have a beautiful soft blush color that turns white as the bloom ages and are a romantic addition to any garden. Their light fragrance is also sure to please. Care is similar to that of other types of peonies.

Light

‘Shirley Temple’ peonies require ample sun. Full sun is best but partial sun can be sufficient if that is all your garden allows.

Water

The ‘Shirley Temple’ peony plant needs regular water. During the first growing season, peony plants should be watered deeply a couple times a week to ensure they thrive in their new home. However, do not let soil become waterlogged or they could develop rot.

Temperature & Humidity

This peony grows best in USDA zones 4-8. They need a cold period to induce dormancy, and do best in environments that are not too hot or humid.

Soil

Well-draining soil is required. Be sure there is lots of organic material in the soil. The soil should be neutral in terms of pH.

Fertilizer

Peonies don’t need fertilizer if the soil contains sufficient nutrients. If the soil lacks nutrients, apply a bulb fertilizer twice during the growing season, once after flowering, again in late summer.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Common peony diseases include fungal diseases that infect peonies, including the peony cultivar ‘Shirley Temple’. This usually occurs with wet, cool weather, particularly in spring. If you see blackened or wilted foliage on your plant’s leaves or stems, remove the diseased foliage and dispose of it to prevent disease from spreading.

As fall rolls round, cut back the plant stems to a few inches and toss out the rest in the garbage. Spraying a fungicide every week during the first month of the growing season may be necessary. On the other hand, if your plants collapse and feel mushy, it’s too late to help. Remove them entirely and dispose of them.

Powdery mildew is a fungus that attacks peonies in hot, humid weather. Look for a white coating on the leaves. Mildew only damages the plant’s appearance however, it won’t hurt the peony.

You won’t have to fight off many insect pests on ‘Shirley Temple’ peonies since they rarely have serious pest problems. Ants may frequent the blossoms but they aren’t dangerous; they are coming for the nectar in the flowers. Any other insects can be treated with neem oil except for foliar nematodes on peonies.

Pruning

Aside from cutting the plants back in fall, the only peony pruning necessary is deadheading. Cut off the flower heads as they fade. The plants look nicer without the wilted blooms and the practice discourages fungal diseases.

Propagation

Propagate ‘Shirley Temple’ by dividing the peonies. In fall, after cutting the stalks back to a few inches above the ground, dig up the plants. Use a sharp garden knife to cut each root ball into sections. Be sure each one has at least three growth eyes at the top. Replant these sections with the eyes close to the surface of the soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

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