The Delicious-Sounding Perennial You Can Plant In The Fall For Stunning Spring Blooms

Although thinking about next year's flowers can seem a little daunting in the fall, planting bulbs, seeds, and new plants during the later months of the year can actually help them settle in (and you get prepared gardener points!). Planting perennials in the fall for a colorful spring garden means they can establish themselves in their new home without heat or drought stress. You can also take your time planning the design of your garden, ensuring that every bare spot will be filled with blooms when spring comes. But what should you be planting in the fall? Of course, you can't plant everything during this season, but there are some beautiful flowers you should consider. One delicious-sounding perennial that is hot off the cultivar press is the 'Candy Apple' Itoh peony (Paeonia 'Smithopus10' PPAF). 

This perennial blooms with stunning red flowers that create a delicate, fluffy appearance. At the center of each bloom sits a cluster of golden stamens, adding more elegance to the luxurious crimson color of this peony. As an Itoh (also known as intersectional) peony, the 'Candy Apple' has a long bloom time, bursting into life in the spring to brighten up your yard. Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, you can plant this perennial in the fall to ensure you are set up for a spring show. 

The 'Candy Apple' Itoh peony is often sold as a bare-root plant. As the roots can be fragile, it is essential to be careful when handling it. It can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. In warmer regions, a little afternoon shade will help the plant bloom for longer, so bear that in mind when picking a location. The soil should be rich, well-draining, and amended with organic matter. This variety can grow up to 3 feet in height and width, so give it enough space to reach its full size. 

Once you have found the best spot for your 'Candy Apple' Itoh peony, dig a hole and place it in, ensuring that the eyes of the plant are facing up. The eyes are the fat, red buds and are usually easy to spot. When you have placed your peony in, cover it with 1 or 2 inches of soil. If you have a plant that has been grown in a container, the soil should be at the same level as it was in the container. 

After planting your peony, give it a good watering, but then hold off until the spring when new growth appears. If your winter is very dry, however, you can give it some water. When your 'Candy Apple' Itoh starts growing, water it regularly if you don't have much rain. You don't really need to fertilize it, but a top dressing of compost or manure around the root zone can be beneficial. Prune this perennial plant in the fall and deadhead regularly to prolong its blooms.