Interesting information on Intersectionals that I had't heard before. Herbacious peonies are not like that at all, I add compost to the top every fall for added amendments and they seem to just fine. I have had my Bart for 5 years I think, and each year it has gotten better, I haven't seen decline yet. I add the top dressing to them as well. I wonder what it is that makes them start to decline? They don't like to get big?