A peony in full bloom is one of the highlights of the spring garden - until a heavy rain or strong wind sends those oversized flowers sprawling across the ground. Flopping stems can flatten nearby plants and hide some of the season’s most spectacular flowers just when they should be at their peak. Proper staking helps peonies stay upright throughout the bloom season.
At the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden in Nichols Arboretum, we often use the “Hildene Star” method to support peonies, a staking method developed at Hildene in Vermont. Unlike traditional cages, this approach keeps plants upright while allowing a more natural shape as they grow and bloom. Twine is woven through the center to support individual stems, rather than relying only on an outer ring. The system is simple to build using basic materials like stakes and garden twine, and is typically more cost-effective than purchasing multiple cages.
The system is built with five stakes evenly spaced around the outside of the peony plant. At MBGNA, we typically use bamboo, though any sturdy stake will work. Insert each stake firmly into the ground at a slight outward angle, so the tops lean away from the plant. Set them as deeply and securely as possible to create a stable frame for the twine structure as the plant grows.
To begin the support system, tie one end of the twine to a stake and run it through the center of the stakes in a star-like pattern, weaving from stake to stake to create interior support for the stems. Once the interior structure is in place, create an outer ring by looping around each stake to form a circular frame. This combination helps hold stems upright while still allowing the plant to move naturally. The twine should remain loose enough to guide the plant rather than tightly bind it.
By bloom time, most of the Hildene Star structure disappears beneath the foliage, leaving the flowers themselves to take center stage. With a little early-season preparation, peonies can remain upright, healthy, and beautiful throughout their short but spectacular bloom season.
