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Peony dying #872555

Asked June 11, 2024, 9:20 AM EDT

Hello, I live in Coquille. I bought a peony bush a couple of months ago and planted it where a rosebush used to be. For the past month, the leaves have started turning brown. I sprayed with a neem oil solution (top and underneath leaves), but it's not making a difference. Please...any suggestions? Thank you very much! Phyllis

Coos County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for submitting the photo.  As the leaf tips and margins have yellowed and browned, this looks like it could be due to drought stress that has occurred since its planting.  Until well established, peonies are very subject to drought stress, especially if you have a relatively sandy soil.    Please ensure that the peony receives sufficient water during drier periods.   

It's not a clear enough photo to show if there is any sign of fungal infection (black dots or spots in the yellow/brown areas).   If you see this, you should remove the affected leaves, clean up any old leaves under the peony, keep the foliage dry when watering, and continue spraying with a fungicide (like Neem or copper-based) to help prevent infection of other leaves.
Bill Hutmacher Replied June 12, 2024, 4:27 PM EDT

Thank you so much, Bill.  It does looks as though there are some kind of spots on the back of the leaves (not black…kind of cream-colored).

 

I understand that you’re not supposed to plant roses where a rosebush was growing before.  Might that also be true of planting a peony where a rosebush has been before?

 

Phyllis

 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 1:28 PM
To: Phyllis Martin <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Peony dying (#0142473)

 

The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2024, 5:29 PM EDT
Here's some information about "Rose Replant Disease that you might find interesting - https://www.rose.org/single-post/2018/03/20/advanced-in-understanding-rose-replant-disease.   If there is a soil nutrient deficiency or soil is compacted or if there was a soil borne pathogen when the rose was there, that might have an effect on the peony.  If you're concerned about this, you can replant the peony either in a large container or somewhere else in the yard.   In any case, ensure that it gets enough water during our dry season.
Bill Hutmacher Replied June 12, 2024, 5:58 PM EDT

Very good info.  Thank you, Bill.  I’m guessing that’s what’s going on.  That rose wasn’t in the best of health and that’s why I finally just pulled it out (it was pretty small, actually).  Yes, I’ve been thinking about replanting the beleaguered peony, if it isn’t too far gone.  I’ll give it a try and be diligent about the watering.

 

Thank you, again.


Best wishes,

 

Phyllis

 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 2:58 PM
To: Phyllis Martin <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Peony dying (#0142473)

 

The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2024, 6:06 PM EDT
Good luck
Bill Hutmacher Replied June 13, 2024, 5:50 PM EDT

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