Lesson 4
Peony wilt and common problems
Peony wilt (Botrytis paeoniae): shoots collapse and grey fuzz forms at the base in wet springs. Cut all stems to the ground in autumn, bin (don't compost), and improve airflow.
Floppy stems when wet: support with a small peony hoop in mid-spring, before the buds open — once they've flopped in a rainstorm, they don't stand back up.
Brown patches on petals (peony ring spot virus): a virus; no cure. Lift and bin affected plants; do not divide and share them.
Failure to flower year after year despite healthy leaves: too deep (replant), too shaded (move), or too young (wait another year).
Diagnosing a sulky peony
- Big leaves, no buds — planted too deep; lift and replant in autumn.
- Small buds that turn brown without opening — peony wilt or late frost damage.
- Plant looks healthy but smaller every year — soil exhausted; lift, divide, replant in fresh compost.
- Flowers come but split / 'blasted' open and collapse — water stress during bud formation; mulch and water more in April.