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Peony next steps

ShennyShenny Posts: 127
in Problem solving
Hello
I purchased this peony plant when it was very small at the end of April. It has grown a lot but did not produce any buds or flowers. It has also not grown as bushy as I would have expected. 
I have read that herbaceous peonies ( which is what I think this is but not certain!) should be cut back to base in October. 
So should this be my next step?
please advise on the health of this Peony and what I can do to look after it properly?
Not really got room to put it into the ground but can make some if absolutely necessary. 
Also purchased from a friend of a friend so had no label. Was only £4. 

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Cut them back only when all the foliage has died back.
    They don't really like being in pots when mature, but keeping small ones in a pot for the first year like you have done is a good idea.  They are quite slow to build-up, and you will probably get just one or two blooms next year, and more in subsequent years.  If you have nowhere to plant it in the ground, then you will need to keep it very well watered and fed throughout the growing season, especially late summer/autumn as this is when the new blooms are being formed in the 'eyes' on the tubers.  If they go short on either, it may not flower the next year;  This is usually only a problem when they are kept in pots or planted in dry sandy soils.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I'd also make sure the crown of the plant is not too deeply planted as it's the main reason for peonies not flowering. I've kept quite a few growing in pots for years, such undemanding plants on the whole. Enjoy!
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They can take a couple of years to reach maturity and flower, as @BobTheGardener says.
    Extra care needed when in pots, but they aren't very easy to keep potted long term without a lot of vigilance. If you can give them that care, it's fine. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ShennyShenny Posts: 127
    Thank you for all the tips and advice. I am keeping it well watered but find it quite hard to judge the feeding. I think this is an issue I have generally. I fed with Fish blood and bone in spring when planted and have then fed with tomato feed every so often in the summer months. 
    Does that seem ok?
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Sounds good to me.  :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • BiljeBilje Posts: 811
    When the leaves go brown cut them off at soil level don’t just pull them. I did that once and pulled of next years developing shoot too. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I never feed mine after they've flowered. A bit of BF&B in spring is all I use. 
    However, in a pot, a bit of tomato food through the summer and while it's dying back, will help for next year as @BobTheGardener says. 
    More importantly - refresh the soil it's in later in winter, early spring just before it starts into growth, making sure you don't bury the crown as already said   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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