An overhead of Peony Carl G. Klehm

Peony ‘Carl G. Klehm’

Description

Extremely tall plants have thick, strong stems topped with large, light blush buds that open to reveal creamy, fully double blooms with the palest hint of blush. Flowers have a faint fragrance. Buds are prone to botrytis in wet years.

Details

Height: 32 in
Type: full double
Bloom time: mid
Site: full sun

Harvesting/Vase Life

For the best vase life, harvest peonies while in bud or “soft marshmallow” stage. Gently squeeze each flower bud, feeling for sponginess. If buds are still hard, then leave them to ripen longer, but if they feel soft—similar to a marshmallow—pick them. When harvesting, be sure to leave at least 2 sets of leaves on the stem so that the plant can continue to grow and store food over the summer.

Cut stems can also be stored for later use; they will last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. When storing, remove almost all of the leaves; bunch the stems together, and slip them into a plastic bag with a few paper towels inside to absorb any excess moisture. Lay them flat on the shelf in the produce area of the fridge and then check every few days for signs of mold. Discard any that begin to rot. Upon removal, the flowers often look limp but don’t worry. Recut the stems and place them immediately in warm water with flower preservative. The buds will open within 24 hours, and the blooms will last a good week in the vase.

Details

Description

Extremely tall plants have thick, strong stems topped with large, light blush buds that open to reveal creamy, fully double blooms with the palest hint of blush. Flowers have a faint fragrance. Buds are prone to botrytis in wet years.

Details

Height: 32 in
Type: full double
Bloom time: mid
Site: full sun

Harvesting/Vase Life

For the best vase life, harvest peonies while in bud or “soft marshmallow” stage. Gently squeeze each flower bud, feeling for sponginess. If buds are still hard, then leave them to ripen longer, but if they feel soft—similar to a marshmallow—pick them. When harvesting, be sure to leave at least 2 sets of leaves on the stem so that the plant can continue to grow and store food over the summer.

Cut stems can also be stored for later use; they will last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. When storing, remove almost all of the leaves; bunch the stems together, and slip them into a plastic bag with a few paper towels inside to absorb any excess moisture. Lay them flat on the shelf in the produce area of the fridge and then check every few days for signs of mold. Discard any that begin to rot. Upon removal, the flowers often look limp but don’t worry. Recut the stems and place them immediately in warm water with flower preservative. The buds will open within 24 hours, and the blooms will last a good week in the vase.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101

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In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.