Peony buds turned black - Ask Extension
Hello, was given a potted peony from a nursery three years ago. I planted it in a sunny spot and it formed about 10 small buds in the springtime. Ab...
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Peony buds turned black #645311
Asked June 03, 2020, 11:40 AM EDT
Hello, was given a potted peony from a nursery three years ago. I planted it in a sunny spot and it formed about 10 small buds in the springtime. About half of the buds remained small, turned black and shriveled up. A few of the buds grew to a healthy flower. I planted it an area with several other peony plants which are all healthy and flowered profusely. I fertilized in early spring. I spread compost around the plants in the early spring also (not touching the plant itself). Any idea what might cause this, and how I might remedy it?
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Peony blight is Botrytis paeoniae (sometimes called early blight or bud blast). It has over 250 hosts. These fungi are favored by wet, rainy conditions that result in free moisture on plant surfaces. It overwintered on the surface of decayed peony foliage. Subsequent spores are produced on infected plant material. Spores can be blown by wind, splashed by rain, or carried on tools. I am not sure why just this one shows signs, but it simply be a cultivar with not resistance to the disease.
- Plant resistant cultivars.
- Remove and destroy diseased plant parts both during the season (especially spent flowers) and cut down and destroy all top growth before winter.
- Space plants for good air circulation.
- Do not use mulch in spring when plants are emerging.
- Removing the top few layers of soil around plants may reduce risk by removing sclerotia.
- Avoid overhead irrigation or any practice that keeps plants wet for extended periods of time.
- Moving the plant to a more open location that allows for better air circulation may help.
Thank you. I appreciate the response.
