I noticed this last year, I don't know if this peony is planted too deep or not deep enough or if something else is going on.
All the others are emerging a deep maroon color and do well every year. This one produced a few weak, pale looking shoots but no blooms.
I thought I would ask here before attempting to dig it up.

I have some different varieties and they don't all come up the same color, some of them look different. So I think that's normal to have variation in color or texture from one variety to the next. Is something wrong with yours, that I don't know. Do you know it's name?

Frillylily said: I have some different varieties and they don't all come up the same color, some of them look different. So I think that's normal to have variation in color or texture from one variety to the next. Is something wrong with yours, that I don't know. Do you know it's name?

I don't know its name and I don't know what it looks like since it doesn't bloom. Could it be a seedling?

Candance, my first thought was that was a seedling. It's funny how it is branching almost from the ground, like a tree peony or itoh. Could you remember if you plated anything at that spot?

Jasmin said: Candance, my first thought was that was a seedling. It's funny how it is branching almost from the ground, like a tree peony or itoh. Could you remember if you plated anything at that spot?

I have planted in that area, but those peonies are all accounted for.

Weird growth could be related to weed killers or some other chemicals in the area. Try to remember if anybody was spraying or spreading anything in the vicinity. Also, it could be simply an inferior root to begin with. Or planted too deep, or rotted - could be anything. Dig it up in fall and change place. Do not expect any major improvement in the next 2-3 years.

ILove2Grow said: I have planted in that area, but those peonies are all accounted for.

In that case, it could easily be a seedling. When did you notice the plant for the first time? This year?

I would wait to see how the plant is going to develop. You have enough time till fall. If the plant looks healthy; that is, with nice leaves without any issues, that might be a seedling. I would wait, monitor and revisit in September or October

Jasmin said: In that case, it could easily be a seedling. When did you notice the plant for the first time? This year?

I would wait to see how the plant is going to develop. You have enough time till fall. If the plant looks healthy; that is, with nice leaves without any issues, that might be a seedling. I would wait, monitor and revisit in September or October

I noticed it last year. I just went out and checked to make sure the 5 I planted in 2020 are there. I'm thinking whoever this peony is, it is too deep. This bed was infested with chipmunks last year, so I'm going to blame them. 🤣

It is really close to your peonies, it could be a seedling And quite healthy seedling. However, I cannot be certain I would wait The plant does not look sick; that is, there is probably no need to be concerned that it might infect other peonies with some disease.

Little seedlings can show up anywhere. I will show you where I (probably) get a new seedling. I'll post it tomorrow

Looks like glyphosate exposure.

It looks like it could be a temperature fluctuation problem too, at a particular point in its growth cycle. Other options listed above could be possible too. It is showing signs of stress indeed, so I would keep monitoring it for progress or worsening of symptoms.

What does the peony look like now? It has been moe than a month...