But it will save energy for root and plant development. If too much energy is spent on first born, it will not produce flowers on the 2nd year or 3rd year. The long term or overall effects are not very good either. After all, tree peony especially need patience.
SoCalGardenNut said: Oh no, that's like killing my first born, very painful, not sure I can do it.
Name: Joshua Liao San Jose, CA (Zone 9b) Trying to grow peonies in pots
Since it is already bloomed, leaving the flower be there for a few days won't harm the plant too much.
But it's better to remove the dead flower to prevent it from growing seed, that should help a lot for first-year tree peony.
Name: SoCal Orange County (Zone 10a) Lazy Gardener or Melonator
Thanks LG! The Kamata Fuji bloom is now gone, only lasted 5 days, I also pinched off the flower and seeds. I think tree peonies do take a lot of patience, for instant gratification, herbaceous peonies are better. That's said when it's at its peak, it's exquisite.
Name: Joshua Liao San Jose, CA (Zone 9b) Trying to grow peonies in pots
herbaceous peonies also take a few years before they reach the peak size of bloom. I planted a Sorbet last year and the first year bloom was only 4 inches in diameter.
