Peonies and Roses: A Match Made in Floral Heaven

Although my garden isn't bursting with blooms at the moment, the flowers that are blooming are truly stunning. The tree peonies, herbaceous peonies, and a few early roses are in full bloom, so I chose this lovely combination for today's "In a Vase on Monday."

For this vase, I love the combination of the ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peony, the ‘Julia Rose’ Itoh peony, and the ‘Easy Spirit’ rose.

• The ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peony is a classic favorite with its large, fragrant, soft pink blooms that add a touch of elegance.

• The ‘Julia Rose’ Itoh peony offers a unique blend of colors, transitioning from apricot to yellow and pink, bringing a vibrant and dynamic element to the arrangement.

• The ‘Easy Spirit’ rose complements them beautifully with its creamy white petals and a subtle fragrance, adding a clean, fresh touch to the bouquet.

For this vase, I used a Portmeirion Sophie Conran white teapot because I love its elegant design. This teapot features a modern yet classic look with its clean white finish and gently ridged texture, making it a perfect and charming vessel for my floral arrangement.

Roses and peonies make a fantastic pair in flower arrangements because their shapes and textures really play off each other. Roses have that classic, tidy look that everyone loves, while peonies bring a fluffy, full vibe with their many petals. Putting them together creates a beautiful mix that catches the eye and adds both elegance and a touch of fun.

Plus, the colors of roses and peonies go so well together. They come in a bunch of shades, from soft pinks and whites to bold reds and oranges, which makes for endless creative options. The lovely scent of roses combined with the sweet, sometimes citrusy smell of peonies makes the arrangement even more special. Together, they create a classic bouquet that looks amazing and adds a fresh, inviting feel to any space.

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Amazing link-ups I enjoy—

• Mondays - Hearth & Soul Community, You Are The Star, In A Vase on Monday

• Tuesdays- Nature Notes

• Wednesdays- Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

• Thursdays- Full Plate Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things

• Fridays- Farmhouse Fridays, Five Minute Friday

• Create, Bake, Grow & Gather Party

• Saturdays & Sundays- Saturday Sparks Link Party, Happiness is Homemade

• Monthly— Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Tips for Planting Roses in Containers

Hey everyone! Happy Friday! I recently came across a question in a Facebook group dedicated to rose enthusiasts. Someone was curious about growing roses in pots, especially since they're new to gardening. Growing roses in pots can be a rewarding experience, especially for those who may not have a lot of garden space. I thought I'd share some insights here that have worked for me, hoping they might benefit others just as they've helped me.

Selecting the Right Rose Variety: Opt for a rose variety known to thrive in containers. David Austin roses, for instance, often provide guidance on suitable pot growth.

Choosing the Proper Pot Size: Initially, I used an 18” pot, but I've found that starting with a 24” pot reduces the need for frequent repotting as the rose grows.

Ensuring Proper Drainage: Adequate drainage is essential since roses dislike waterlogged soil. I typically add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot before filling it with soil to facilitate drainage, though some gardeners may skip this step.

Choosing the Right Container Material: In the Midwest, where temperatures can soar, I opt for plastic or clay fiber pots because they retain moisture better. While I love terracotta, the extreme weather in Minnesota makes plastic a more practical choice.

Planting Guidelines: If planting bare root roses, David Austin offers an excellent tutorial. For potted roses, ensure they're planted at the same depth as in their original container and water thoroughly after planting.

Watering: Potted roses dry out faster than those in the ground, so water consistently to maintain even moisture levels without saturating the soil.

Feeding: Apply a granular time-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. While I previously used the DA rose food, I've since switched to Neptune’s Harvest seaweed plant food for foliar feeding. Consider using mycorrhizal fungi at planting to promote healthy root growth.

Sunlight Requirements: Although roses typically thrive in sunlight, some, like Emily Brontë, may fare better in partial shade, especially during intense Midwest summers. Keep a close watch on them.

I hope these tips are helpful! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 😊

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Here are other amazing link-ups I enjoy—

• Mondays - Hearth & Soul Community, You Are The Star

• Tuesdays- Nature Notes

• Wednesdays- Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

• Thursdays- Full Plate Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things

• Fridays- Farmhouse Fridays, Five Minute Friday

• Create, Bake, Grow & Gather Party

• Saturdays & Sundays- Saturday Sparks Link Party, Happiness is Homemade

• Monthly— Garden Bloggers Bloom Day