Peonies can grow in one place for 30–50 years, turning into giant fragrant clouds. However, gardeners often face a problem: the bush looks healthy, the foliage is dense, but the coveted buds are missing or dry up before opening. In gardening, there is no magic — only physiology. Let's find out where the failure occurred.
1. The Main Culprit: Planting Depth
In 70% of cases, the lack of flowers is related to incorrect depth of the renewal buds. The peony is a rare example of a plant that is equally afraid of being planted too deep or too shallow.
Check the distance from the top bud to the soil surface. Ideally, it should be 1.5–2 inches (3–5 cm) in heavy soils and 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) in light sandy soils. If buds are deeper, the plant spends all its energy on sprouting; if shallower, the buds freeze or dry out.
Practical Correction Method
If your peony is buried too deep, you don't necessarily have to dig it up completely. In autumn, carefully scrape away excess soil from the center of the bush. If the buds are exposed, add a layer of fertile soil. You will see the results as early as next season.
2. Nutritional Mistakes: The Over-Fed Bush
Many gardeners over-feed peonies with nitrogen fertilizers (manure, urea) in early spring. This leads to rapid growth of dark green foliage but blocks the formation of flower buds. The plant becomes 'luxuriant' in growth, forgetting about reproduction.
The Correct Fertilizing Formula for Blooming:
- April: Nitrogen + Potassium (minimal, just for a start).
- Budding Period: Phosphorus + Potassium (stimulates flower size).
- 2 Weeks After Bloom: Superphosphate + Potassium Sulfate. This is the most important feeding; this is when flowers for next year are formed!
3. Diseases: When Buds Dry Up Without Opening
If small buds the size of a pea turn black and dry up, it's not a lack of water. This is Botrytis (gray mold). The fungus affects the base of the stem and the pedicel, cutting off nutrients to the bud.
To prevent Botrytis in spring, as soon as the 'red beaks' of the shoots appear, drench the bush and the surrounding soil with copper-based products (Copper sulfate) or the fungicide 'Maxim'.
4. Age and Competition
Young peonies may not bloom in the first 2 years — this is normal as they build up roots. But if an old bush is more than 10-15 years old, its flowers will shrink. This is a signal for division. Also, peonies hate being near the roots of large trees or couch grass — they lose the battle for water and nutrients.
What Else to Check:
The peony is a plant of discipline. Find the correct depth, remove excess nitrogen, and protect it from gray mold — and it will reward you with a royal display of flowers.
