Peonies - Ask Extension
My peony plant is new this year, is it normal not to have flowers the first year? What can I do to promote flowers next year?
Knowledgebase
Peonies #877205
Asked July 14, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT
My peony plant is new this year, is it normal not to have flowers the first year? What can I do to promote flowers next year?
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Kaya:
It can take several years for your peony to establish itself before blooming. A few things to take into consideration to give them the best possible opportunity to bloom in the coming years.
1. Make sure they are not planted too deep. If you purchased a bare root plant, the soil should only cover the eyes of the root by 1-2 inches. If you purchased it in a pot, it should not be planted any deeper than it was in the pot. Too deep and you'll get lots of green, but no blooms.
2. Is it getting enough sun? Peonies need at least 5-6 hours a day of direct sun.
3. Is it getting enough water? They need consistent water during dry times, which we have a lot of here on the high desert! Don't forget the winter months. If we have a very dry winter and the ground is not frozen, a deep supplemental watering would be beneficial for your peony and all your plants.
4. Do not cut back the foliage too early in the fall. The green shrubby part of your peony is busy making energy for next years blooms. Give it time to do its work. Let it die back naturally, then you can remove the dead foliage for winter.
Hope this helps and thank you for your question,
It can take several years for your peony to establish itself before blooming. A few things to take into consideration to give them the best possible opportunity to bloom in the coming years.
1. Make sure they are not planted too deep. If you purchased a bare root plant, the soil should only cover the eyes of the root by 1-2 inches. If you purchased it in a pot, it should not be planted any deeper than it was in the pot. Too deep and you'll get lots of green, but no blooms.
2. Is it getting enough sun? Peonies need at least 5-6 hours a day of direct sun.
3. Is it getting enough water? They need consistent water during dry times, which we have a lot of here on the high desert! Don't forget the winter months. If we have a very dry winter and the ground is not frozen, a deep supplemental watering would be beneficial for your peony and all your plants.
4. Do not cut back the foliage too early in the fall. The green shrubby part of your peony is busy making energy for next years blooms. Give it time to do its work. Let it die back naturally, then you can remove the dead foliage for winter.
Hope this helps and thank you for your question,
