Description
Peony ‘Benjamin Franklin’ has a crimson red double bloom, that is lightly fragrant. Typically blooms later in the season, late spring early summer. Vigorous grower that reaches 30″ – 36″ in the garden. Ben Franklin was originated in 1907. Peonies return year after year, are deer and rabbit resistant and a classic for the perennial garden.
Growers Notes:
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- Peonies are herbaceous perennials that die back in the fall and return in the spring
- Plant in compost rich, well drained soil in 6+ hours of sunlight per day
- Peonies do not like to be moved. Plant them in an area with enough space to grow freely for years
- Plant shallow, crown just below the soil line. Peony need to feel the cold in the winter to bloom
- Planted too deep, they will only produce foliage and no bloom
- Water weekly during the first spring and summer after planting, until the fall rains return
- Peonies will established themselves in the first year, then bloom in year 2 or 3 and then forever
- Fertilize in the early spring and again after they bloom with a 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 granular fertilizer or Espoma Flower Tone or Espoma Rose Tone
- Cut spent blooms and leave the foliage to soak up the summer sun
- In late fall, cut the foliage down to the ground for winter
- Returns bigger and better every year! With more stems and flowers than the year before