| Even though it comes back every year it never blooms. Can you tell me why? |
| There are only a few reasons for non-blooming peonies. The first is lack of sufficient sunlight. All day sunshine is necessary for flowers. The second reason has to do with transplanting; peonies resent having their roots disturbed while they are actively growing. It sometimes takes 3-4 years for them to recover from being moved. The last reason is that they may be planted too deeply. When peonies are set too far below the soil surface they use up more of their energy to produce foliage - at the expense of flowers. So, decide which scenario might fit your plant and take corrective action. Wait until winter, after the foliage has died down and the roots are dormant to either move your plant to a sunnier spot or raise it up in its current location. When replanting, the planting hole should be at least 18 inches deep and about 18 inches in diameter. At the bottom of the hole, add a 4 inch layer of organic matter such as compost, pine bark, or well-aged manure. A half cup of a good plant food (10-6-4), bone meal or superphosphate should be mixed into this layer. (You should avoid adding fertilizer to the soil that will be in direct contact with the roots.) Fill the hole half way with a mix of garden soil and compost, and then set the root division in place with the eyes facing upward. Spread the roots outward and evenly. Water thoroughly. Make certain that the eyes will be no deeper than two inches when the planting is completed, or your Peony may fail to bloom. Hope this information is helpful! |
