From our perspective as peony plants, we desire nothing more than to produce the magnificent, fragrant blooms we are known for. When we fail to do so, it is not out of stubbornness but because our fundamental needs are not being met. Here are the most common reasons from our point of view.
Patience is crucial. If we are a newly planted division or a young plant from a nursery, our energy is directed entirely underground. We must establish a strong root system and build energy reserves before we can support the massive task of flowering. This process can take 2 to 3 years. Similarly, if we were recently transplanted, we are in recovery mode, focusing on root regeneration rather than blooming. Disturbing our roots is a significant setback.
This is perhaps the most frequent mistake. Our "eyes" (those pink or red buds on our roots) are our lifelines for spring growth. In most US climates, these eyes must be planted no deeper than 2 inches below the soil surface. If you bury us deeper than that, we will grow into healthy, leafy shrubs but will expend all our energy just reaching the sunlight. We simply won't have the strength to form flower buds. You may need to carefully excavate the soil above our crown this fall to correct this.
While we appreciate some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates, we are fundamentally sun-loving plants. We require a minimum of 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day to photosynthesize enough energy for bloom production. If taller trees or shrubs have grown around us, casting us in too much shade, our energy levels drop. Without adequate solar power, we cannot create flowers.
We are heavy feeders, especially when preparing our buds for next year. After our spring bloom, we begin the process of developing next year's flower buds. If the soil is poor and lacking nutrients, particularly phosphorus (which supports root and bloom development), we cannot complete this vital task. Furthermore, we despise soggy, waterlogged feet. Dense, clay-heavy soil that doesn't drain will cause our roots to rot, making survival the priority, not flowering.
A late, hard frost after our stems have begun to grow in spring can easily kill the tender developing flower bud. Alternatively, an unusually warm winter followed by a cold snap can deceive us into breaking dormancy too early, leaving our buds vulnerable. A harsh winter without a protective snow blanket or mulch can also damage the eyes. Sometimes, overzealous gardeners mulch too heavily in fall, which can smother our buds and promote rot.
Please be mindful of your shears. Our foliage is our food factory throughout the summer. If you cut us down too early after blooming, you rob us of the ability to photosynthesize and store energy for next year's flowers. You must allow our leaves to remain until they naturally yellow and die back in the fall. This is how we build our strength.
