Questions about Peonies

packy4250 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 08:42 AM

I have or had a beautiful peony bush outside my home in the front yard....it would always bloom and smell good and then it started getting some black spots on the stems so I thought cutting them down to start over would help...but I don't know if the weather has crippled it from growing or if I killed it off all together.....the tulips manage to revive and not sure about this one. I also have a Japanese maple tree in the backyard...any tips for that one?

HAPPY6 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 03:12 PM

Sounds like you bush has, Blight. I know that in Fall it is important to cut down and throw away all peony foliage, cutting the stalks just below the surface of the ground. There are chemicals that work to. In Spring with when the shoots begin emerging, spray with Mancozeb....then in early Summer spray with Daconil. I know you should cut off all diseased foliage as soon as you see it. You can always get information at your local garden center or books from the library.

packy4250 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 12:26 AM

Thanks for the info....today I was suprised cause a few days ago I just started seeing the plant start some new sprouts I guess I would call it....and now they are at least 12 inches high....I know I cut down the whole bush a while back and thought I killed it off....but I feel better I think a few days of sunshine...just like the dandelions...spread like wildfire....

**seleach** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2009, 05:45 AM

You won't kill the plant by cutting it down. You should cut it down to the ground every fall and get rid of the stems and leaves.

Newdaawn · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 03:05 AM

I was told by a garden expert that has a radio show that peonies are heavy feeders. One thing he recommended was something called "Messenger" by Harpin. It is a bit expensive - the powder comes in 3 small packages that make one gal. each and is about $10. I tried it and mine seem to be doing well so far - You use a feeding every 3 weeks for the season, but I am only using the package I bought that includes 3 feedings and see how that works. I have 2 peonies that I have had for perhaps 12 or 15 years now. The aren't as robust as when they were about 5 or 6 but I'm thinking I haven't fed them enough over the years. Happy Gardening!!