Every year the same thing happens. The peonies start to explode with color and fragrance, and then it rains. The next day, there they are lying in the mud. I have tried tying them up and using cages, but unless I catch them early, it's futile. I don't like the looks of cages, and besides the cage does not catch all of the branches so some still fall in the rain-splattered earth, making me feel like a failure.
Recently, I have tried running a green-colored twine around the branches once they are big enough and right before the buds start to open. That way I can catch most of the heavy branches. But of course, I am not always on the ball, and before you know it, the biggest rainfall of the season occurs.
There are two types of peonies, herbaceous and tree. The variety above is a tree peony; it originally comes from China, and it seems to solve all of my problems. Unless there is a tornado or derecho, which we call a straight-line wind, it holds up well. Of course, in a strong wind the flower would still be damaged but the branches and trunks are strong and will remain upright. Not too long ago, I started to investigate this plant and discovered that there are more beautiful colors than I had imagined. I think I'm hooked, so watch out; I can get a little obsessive about things, as you'll see when daylily season begins. Here is a nursery I found online that offers quite a selection. www.reathsnursery.com
I don't know anything about them or their reputation, but I might give them a try. I'll let you know how they do.
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