Peonies plant problem - Ask Extension
My Peonies plant is looking really bad. Any advice on what is wrong and how to fix it? I have a second one five feet away that is doing great.
Knowledgebase
Peonies plant problem #880332
Asked August 05, 2024, 8:01 PM EDT
My Peonies plant is looking really bad. Any advice on what is wrong and how to fix it? I have a second one five feet away that is doing great.
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
After some analysis this looks like an issue caused by Powdery Mildew, a fungal infection that can be severe in dry and hot climates like hours. You can find more information about that issue, including how to curtail it, here: CMG - Powdery Mildew. Compare your plants to pictures found in this resource from Ohio State University here, the pictures are towards the bottom of the page.
Could you please send us some pictures of the other, healthier, plant as well? And perhaps some with the two of them on frame?
After some analysis this looks like an issue caused by Powdery Mildew, a fungal infection that can be severe in dry and hot climates like hours. You can find more information about that issue, including how to curtail it, here: CMG - Powdery Mildew. Compare your plants to pictures found in this resource from Ohio State University here, the pictures are towards the bottom of the page.
Could you please send us some pictures of the other, healthier, plant as well? And perhaps some with the two of them on frame?
Attached are the photos of the healthy one and both of them in the same picture. I thought it was mildew or a fungus and have been spraying it with neem oil.
I will look at the information you provided and appreciate the response. If you have any other suggestions please let me know.
Thank you, 
Don
On Aug 7, 2024, at 10:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi, Don,
Thank you for the additional photos and we are happy to hear the resources are helpful. It does look as if there is potential of irrigation overspray on the affected plants. When turf irrigation sprays onto the leaves of neighboring plants it can raise the relative humidity which is favorable for most mildews that grow on plants.
Thank you for reaching out and if you have any other landscaping questions then you know where to find us.
Thank you for the additional photos and we are happy to hear the resources are helpful. It does look as if there is potential of irrigation overspray on the affected plants. When turf irrigation sprays onto the leaves of neighboring plants it can raise the relative humidity which is favorable for most mildews that grow on plants.
Thank you for reaching out and if you have any other landscaping questions then you know where to find us.
