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How to increase blossoms on Itoh Peony Bartzella #874262

Asked June 23, 2024, 9:45 AM EDT

Hi, I have an Itoh Peony Bartzella that I planted in the Fall of 2020. I obtained one gorgeous blossom late May of this year. The plant, itself, seems very robust with healthy leaves, excellent growth except for lack of blossoms. I do cut back to ground every late fall time and provide a light fertilizer (5-5-5 or the like) in the spring time. To the left of the peony are some Martagon Lilies that are blooming now, to the right of the peony is a group of perennial foxgloves that are blooming. To the back of the peony is a group of bugbane. (Cimicifuga ramosa). In terms of sunlight, I believe it gets morning sun and then filtered sunlight in the afternoon (due to my neighbor's crabapple tree that has high overhanging branches into my garden). I've read conflicting advice on what to do and figured I'd ask UVM Master Gardeners for any guidance. Thanks

Chittenden County Vermont

Expert Response

Good morning Scott

There could be a couple of factors here. One is the sunlight. The afternoon sun may not be enough for the plant. Another may be how deeply the root was planted. Peonies do best with the e root 2 inches down. Further than that and the plant will produce foliage but few, if any blooms.

When fertilizing, use a 5-10-5 as too much nitrogen will create lots of top growth but no blooms.


Thank you


Sean Warner, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Replied June 25, 2024, 3:57 AM EDT
Hello Scott:

Sean has given you some good information. I also wanted to provide you with the following - https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/reasons-why-peonies-fail-bloom
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 9:12 AM EDT
Sean,

Thanks for getting back to me so promptly with some answers.   I'll try some of these options in the upcoming year and hope to see more blossoms on my peony.

Scott




On Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 03:57:42 AM EDT, Ask Extension <ask> wrote:</ask>
The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 9:39 AM EDT
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me and providing me with some options on what to do.    I also appreciate having the link for additional information on Itoh Peonies.    Now to start the game of garden tetris and figure out how to move plants around to find a sunnier spot for my Peony.

Again, thanks
Scott






On Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 09:12:44 AM EDT, University of Vermont <ask> wrote:</ask>
The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 9:39 AM EDT
Your welcome, Scott!  Glad it was helpful.  
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2024, 9:54 AM EDT

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