We wait months for our peonies to burst open into a large, multi-petaled, fragrant bloom. But something went wrong and there are no blooms. Why don’t my peonies bloom?
Several problems may be the cause of peonies not blooming and most of them are easy to fix. Let’s look at the top 10 causes that may be behind why your peonies don’t bloom.
Not Enough Sun
Partial shade is fine for peonies but the plants need 4-6 hours a day of direct sunlight to bloom. Transplant them to a sunnier location if their growing spot is too shady.
Planted Too Deeply
Plant the peony bulb (also called tuber, tator, or root) 2-inches (5 cm) deep – no more or no less. If the peony is planted deeper than 2-inches (5 cm) it will grow into a lovely green bush but never produce blooms.
Recently Divided
If the plant has been divided within the last year it won’t bloom again until it becomes re-established in its’ new home. It may take 3-years for the plant to bloom again.
Large Clumps
If the plant has not been divided within the last decade and the clump is very large, it may not bloom. Divide the clump, feed it, and wait a couple of years for new blooms.
Young Plants
Young peony plants will not bloom. They begin producing blooms when they are 3-5 years old.
Removing The Foliage
The foliage feeds the bulb after the blooms have faded. If the foliage is removed too soon the bulb won’t receive enough energy to produce next year’s blooms.
Late Freeze
A late spring freeze, after the buds have developed on the plant, will destroy the blooms for that year. Protect peony plant from a late freeze by covering it with a light cloth or newspaper.
Hungry
If the peony plant is undernourished it doesn’t have the energy to produce blooms. Feed plants twice a year – once in early spring and again after the blooms fade, with your favorite type of organic plant food.
Pest Infestation
Thrips, aphids, ants, and other pests can cause damage to the plant that may result in no blooms. Inspect plants regularly for pest infestation and treat with an organic pesticide at the first sign of pests.
Fungus
An extremely damp, chilly spring can cause the peonies to develop fugal infections, like Botrytis blight, and cause the plants to not produce blooms. To help the plant remain healthy prevent a fungal infection during a damp, chilly spring, remove the dead buds and infected foliage.
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