Peony leaf curl and stunting - Ask Extension
I have several established peonies that have abnormal leaves this spring. The leaves are slightly curled and not as wide as normal. Last year such a p...
Knowledgebase
Peony leaf curl and stunting #628722
Asked April 28, 2020, 9:55 PM EDT
I have several established peonies that have abnormal leaves this spring. The leaves are slightly curled and not as wide as normal. Last year such a peony survived but had no blossoms (but previously had had many normal blossoms). The affected plants have been getting plenty of water from April rains and other nearby peonies are growing normally.
I am concerned that the affected plants have a virus. If so, is the proper treatment to remove the plant and not plant peonies in those locations again? I don't want the problem to spread to my other peonies. Is there a way to prevent future viral infections??
I am concerned that the affected plants have a virus. If so, is the proper treatment to remove the plant and not plant peonies in those locations again? I don't want the problem to spread to my other peonies. Is there a way to prevent future viral infections??
Montgomery County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Peonies are subject to a variety of viruses, one of which is leaf curl. Symptoms include stunted growth of the plant, yellowing of leaves, and dark green mottling of leaves. The virus can spread by feeding insects or mites, or through unsterilized garden tools. No treatment is suggested to cure a virus-infected peony. If the symptoms are severe, the peony should be removed.
Cultural measures, such as good air circulation, watering at the base of the plant (don’t get leaves wet), and sanitation can greatly reduce infection.
Cultural measures, such as good air circulation, watering at the base of the plant (don’t get leaves wet), and sanitation can greatly reduce infection.
Below are 2 sites with information on peonies you may find helpful:
extension.psu.edu.peony >diseases
missouribotanicalgardens.org - Peony
Thank you for contacting us.
extension.psu.edu.peony >diseases
missouribotanicalgardens.org - Peony
Thank you for contacting us.
