10 mythes sur les pivoines qu’il est temps de déconstruire

Jun 22, 20253 min read

10 Peony Myths It’s Time to Debunk

🌸 10 Myths About Peonies It's Time to Debunk

At La Pivoinerie Lili, we live, grow, and celebrate peonies every day. With over 115 unique varieties grown right here in Quebec, we hear all sorts of stories: true ones, false ones, and frankly hilarious ones!

It's time to sort them out.

Here are 10 persistent myths about peonies — and why it's high time to say goodbye to them.

1. "Peonies are temperamental and difficult to grow"

FALSE.
Peonies are surprisingly hardy and loyal! Give them well-drained soil, sun, and a quiet, undisturbed spot — they'll settle in for decades.

Proof? I had never cultivated anything before founding La Pivoinerie… and today, I grow thousands!

2. "Peonies only bloom for a year or two"

FALSE.
A well-planted peony can live… a century! Some varieties on our farm have been joyfully blooming for over 100 years. It's a floral legacy to pass on, not a fleeting trend.

3. "You absolutely must stake them or they'll fall over"

NOT ALWAYS.
Some very double varieties can become heavy after rain, but many are as sturdy as oaks! Here at our farm? ZERO stakes.
All our peonies grow in the sun, in open fields, with stems as solid as their reputation.

4. "They hate being pruned"

FALSE.
Peonies love appropriate pruning:
– Herbaceous? Prune them to the ground in autumn.
– Tree peonies? Gently clean them after flowering.
Each type has its preferences — and we provide careful advice at the farm.

5. "They can't stand to be moved"

FALSE, BUT…
You can transplant a peony, especially in autumn. You just need to be careful with its roots… and have patience. It may take 1 to 2 years to re-bloom, but it will come back stronger than ever.

6. "They don't like the cold"

FALSE.
They love our winters! The cold helps them go dormant, then explode with beauty in the spring. Peonies are made for Quebec.

7. "You can't make bouquets with garden peonies"

ABSOLUTELY FALSE!
Harvested at the right time (when the bud is as soft as a marshmallow — our little secret), they make fragrant, majestic bouquets, often lasting much longer than store-bought ones.
And with 115 varieties, the combinations are endless!

Come pick some at the farm, it's an unforgettable experience 🌸

8. "Peonies don't bloom because they're sick"

NOT NECESSARILY.
It's often a matter of planting depth, light… or patience.
Here, we let some peonies grow just leaves for 5 years to strengthen their roots before blooming.
And today? It's a floral fireworks display 🌿

9. "They are all pink or white"

FALSE.
From coral to ruby red, passing through creamy yellow, fuchsia, and even changing shades… the peony palette is as vast as it is magnificent. The genetic diversity of this flower is simply fascinating.

10. "Ants damage peonies"

FALSE.
Ants love the sweet nectar of the buds, but they don't damage anything at all. On the contrary, they can even deter some unwanted insects.
➡️ See our article: The Peony and the Ant

BONUS: "The peony is a grandma's flower"

FALSE.
Yes, our grandmothers loved them, but new generations are rediscovering and celebrating them with just as much love. The peony is THE flower that transcends eras — majestic, elegant, romantic.
It's simply… the QUEEN of flowers 👑

Some truly true facts:

✅ Peony is edible!

We make an exquisite floral jelly, available in our shop. And we have plenty of creative recipes to share with you!

✅ Peony root is precious for the skin

We use its extract in our cosmetic products. Why? Because it brightens the complexion, reduces hyperpigmentation, soothes sensitive skin, and reveals your natural glow.
✨ Moisturize with us!