Peonies have the botanical name peonies and form beautiful flowers in early summer. To the delight of all gardeners, the flowering of the perennials usually becomes more abundant as the perennials get older. However, the beautiful flowers are delicate and delicate when it comes to care and location conditions. If errors creep in in these areas, which are important for the peonies, then they do not flourish.
causes
Peonies are beautiful plants, but they are also very sensitive. Some strains just take longer to flower for the first time than others. In this case, patience is required. Peonies already have their special requirements when they are planted and need to be treated properly. Even small mistakes in the care and the choice of location disturb the plants, they then no longer bloom. Planting the crops too deep is one of the most common causes of failure to flower. If, after a review, the peony is actually too low, then it should be raised next fall. In addition to the adequate planting height, the right time to plant also plays a decisive role. If the peonies are planted too late, no flowering is to be expected in the planting year. The perennials first have to take root and recharge their batteries, only then do they bloom again. In addition, the peonies are sensitive to the cold and need additional protection in winter.
- regularly remove dead plant parts
- The plant’s roots should be just below the ground
- 2-4 cm from the surface are ideal
- Carefully lift plants that are too deep with two spades or garden forks
- often do not bloom until the following year after planting
- plant between the end of August and the end of September
- but don’t expose too late in autumn
- Peonies get used to new places during the cooler months
- Frost damage can also cause a lack of flowering time
- protect from deep freezing temperatures in the winter months
- Cover the root area with brushwood or a layer of mulch
- Lay out cold protection on the upper part of the plant with fir branches
- It is essential to remove winter protection from March
- if buds do not get enough light, flowering will not occur
Location & plant substrate
If the wrong location has been chosen, this can be one of the reasons for the failure to flower. The perennials need a lot of light and do not tolerate excessively shady places. In addition, the peony is an extremely sedentary plant. They do not tolerate a change of location well and in extreme cases can even go into it completely. The neighbors at the respective installation site are also important, they must match the peony and its requirements. In order for the plants to feel comfortable in their location, the substrate must neither be too wet nor too dry. In their original natural habitat, the perennials sometimes grow on rocky surfaces. However, too compacted soil can lead to problems and the plants will not bloom either. Therefore, the soil should be prepared accordingly before planting.
- prefers full sun to partly sunny locations
- make sure there is sufficient space
- do not settle next to broad shrubs or under tall trees
- Eliminate competition from neighboring plants
- It is better not to transplant peony in another location
- need well-drained and loose soil
- A rather dry soil tends to be better accepted
- Work drainage into the ground
- Mix the substrate with lime, gravel or sand
- Small pieces of gravel are also well suited for loosening up
Fertilizing & watering
Since the peony is used to dry conditions from its original home countries, it does not need regular watering units. However, if the subsoil is too compacted, then the rainwater can only drain off very slowly and poorly. In this case, the water accumulates longer and the peonies are much more likely to develop harmful fungal infestations. In addition, the plants quickly suffer from a lack of nutrients, because these need a lot of strength to form flowers. Since the nutrients in the soil are used up over time, the perennials are dependent on additional fertilizers. A gentle fertilizer can be given at any time, including spring or summer. A plentiful portion of fertilizers strengthens the plant sustainably and stimulates it to flower again. However, the right time and the right dosage must be observed.
- doesn’t need too much moisture
- Rainfalls are usually sufficient
- water only during long dry periods
- higher water requirements can be recognized by slack leaves
- however, waterlogging must not form
- ensure that there is sufficient nutrient supply
- Organic fertilizers with a long-term function are ideal
- Mix rotted manure into the soil when planting
- alternatively, horn shavings can be used
- Fertilize abundantly before budding
- Carefully work fertilizer into the soil
- proceed either with a digging fork or a small hand claw
Diseases & pests
If the peonies suffer from disease or are attacked by pests, it is not very likely that they will flower. In these cases the perennials only grow poorly and have no more energy reserves left to bloom. In addition, if the nitrogen content in the fertilizer is too high, it can encourage infestation by germs or parasites. In spring and autumn, extremely damp weather can lead to an infestation with fungi. In addition to the leaves, these often colonize the sensitive flower buds. In addition, the roots must not be damaged when gardening, this leads to a weakening of the immune system and subsequently to diseases.
- susceptible to gray mold and other fungal diseases
- As a result, leaves and flower buds dry up and fall off
- to be recognized by the brownish to blackish discolored parts of the plant
- various leaf spot diseases can also occur
- Cut back affected parts of the plant
- Dispose of diseased shoots in household waste
- In addition, fungicides from specialist retailers are helpful
- yellow discolored leaves with dry edges indicate nematodes
- these tiny nematodes prevent the plants from blooming
- as an antidote, subject the root area to hot water treatment
- Gradually heat the soil to 43.5 ° C with warm irrigation water
- destroy the entire plant in the event of extremely high numbers of roundworms
Conclusion
Peonies are very demanding in terms of care and site conditions. If these factors do not meet the requirements of the distinctive perennials, then they react by stopping flowering. Since the causes for this can be very diverse, they must be carefully investigated. In most cases, the problem can be solved with short-term assistance.
