There's a common frustration among peony growers: you've nurtured your plants all year, anticipated their glorious blooms, and just as they reach full magnificence, heavy rain arrives and the stems collapse under the weight. Those luxurious double blooms that make peonies so desirable can also be their downfall, quite literally.

The good news is that with the right support strategy, you can keep your peony blooms upright and looking their best throughout the flowering season. This guide covers the various support options and helps you choose the right approach for your garden.

Why Peonies Need Support

Not all peonies require staking, but many of the most popular varieties do. Understanding why helps you decide which plants need support:

• Heavy blooms: Fully double varieties can have blooms weighing hundreds of grams
• Water weight: Rain-soaked flowers become even heavier
• Stem strength: Some varieties naturally have weaker stems
• Top-heavy growth: Large flowers on tall stems create leverage
• Wind exposure: Plants in windy locations are more prone to damage

Support Options

Peony Rings (Grow-Through Supports)

These are the most popular and effective option for supporting peonies. A peony ring consists of a circular grid supported by legs that push into the ground. Plants grow up through the grid, which provides all-around support.

Advantages:

• Provides even support to all stems
• Nearly invisible once plants are in full growth
• Easy to install
• Reusable year after year
• Available in various sizes

Disadvantages:

• Must be installed before significant growth
• Initial cost
• Storage required in winter

Individual Stakes and Ties

For gardeners with just a few peonies or specific problem stems, individual staking with bamboo canes and soft ties works well.

Advantages:

• Targets specific stems that need support
• Inexpensive
• Can be added after stems are tall
• Flexible approach

Disadvantages:

• More visible than ring supports
• Time-consuming for many stems
• Can look untidy
• May not provide sufficient support for very heavy blooms

Linking Stakes

Modular systems of stakes connected by links can be configured to surround peony plants. These create a cage-like structure around the plant.

Advantages:

• Adjustable size and shape
• Can be installed around established plants
• Provides all-around support
• Relatively inconspicuous when plants are in leaf

Disadvantages:

• More complex to set up than rings
• May not suit all garden styles
• More expensive than simple stakes

Tomato Cages

Standard tomato cages can work for peonies in a pinch, though they're not ideal. They provide a circular support structure but are usually too tall and not designed for the growth habit of peonies.

DIY String Supports

A budget option is to install stakes around the plant and run garden twine between them at appropriate heights. This can be effective but is the least attractive option.

How to Install Peony Rings

Since peony rings are the most popular option, here's a detailed installation guide:

1. Choose the right size: Measure your peony's spread from previous years; rings come in various diameters
2. Time it right: Install when shoots are just emerging or under 15cm tall
3. Position carefully: Centre the ring over the emerging shoots
4. Push legs in firmly: Ensure the ring is stable and level
5. Adjust height: The grid should end up about two-thirds up the mature stem height
6. Leave room for growth: Don't position too tightly around shoots

Emergency Support for Flopping Plants

If rain has already knocked your peonies down and you don't have supports in place, here's what to do:

1. Wait until the plant is dry to avoid stem damage
2. Gently lift stems to upright position
3. Install stakes around the perimeter of the plant
4. Run twine around the stakes to create a supporting cage
5. For individual heavy stems, use a single stake and soft tie
6. Accept that some stems may be damaged and cut flowers for indoor display

Choosing Varieties That Need Less Support

If staking isn't practical for your garden, consider growing varieties known for strong stems:

• Single varieties: Lighter flowers need less support
• Semi-doubles: Coral Charm, Bowl of Beauty
• Japanese types: Generally stronger stems than full doubles
• Shorter varieties: Less leverage from shorter stems

Other Strategies for Stronger Plants

Cultural practices can improve stem strength:

• Avoid excessive nitrogen: High nitrogen promotes soft, weak growth
• Ensure adequate potassium: Potassium promotes stem strength
• Maintain good drainage: Waterlogged roots produce weaker plants
• Provide full sun: Shaded plants stretch and have weaker stems
• Don't overcrowd: Plants competing for light produce taller, weaker stems

When to Cut for the Vase

Sometimes the best "support" is to cut blooms before they're damaged. If heavy rain is forecast and your peonies are at the marshmallow stage (soft to the touch), consider cutting them for indoor display. Cut flowers avoid rain damage entirely and can be enjoyed up close.

With the right support strategy, you can enjoy your peony blooms at their best, whether in the garden or in a vase. Install supports early, choose the right method for your situation, and you'll spend less time dealing with fallen stems and more time admiring these magnificent flowers.