Peonies

[marlasmom]

I have 4 or 5 that will not grow and have never bloomed. Some of them I reset about 3 years ago because I thought maybe they were planted too low.

Can I move them now and try again or just throw them out and replace?

Thanks.

[gina2000]

When you planted them, marlasmom....did they have alot of "eyes" on them? Sometimes nurseries sell stock that is immature and it takes a good long while for the plants to really thrive.


Also....peonies need sun.....are they in a sunny location?


And the only thing else I can think of is that over fertilizing issue.....


As far as moving them now....it's really better to move them in the fall......I've moved things in the heat....but they suffer....

[marlasmom]

Never heard of an over-fertilizing issue. In Illinois we just plopped them in the ground and they took off. All my others are doing very well. Would bone meal help?

[Bildmouse]

I was always told they do much better with clay mixed in the soil. It holds the moisture in so they don't dry out.

[Mamu]

I agree do not move them until the fall. It's a little late in the season to be moving them now.

Peonies are one of those plants that once planted will be there a long time. So it's very important to enrich the soil as much as you can. Peonies like a soil rich in humus.( Add compost, manure, bone meal and dried blood.)

Did the hole double the size and depth fill the hole with the mixture. Add the peony, making sure the eyes are not more then 1 inch below the soil line. Water well every day for 2 weeks. The watering is very important.

You should get some flowers next year, but it usually will take 2 seasons. Never, Never use liquid fertilizers on peonies. Liquid fertilizers should only be used on annuals not perennials. When used on perennials the will produce lush green leaves and sparse flowers.

Always use natural fertilizers on perennials, bone meal, dried blood, manure or compost. One of the best fertilizers is a tea made with compost and manure.