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What to do with this Peony
Nikunj
Posts: 46
I have this beautiful peony shrub which has been flowering over last few week. This first flower today shed its leaves- What should i be doing? Should i remove the stalk, let it be?
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The browning of the leaf tips may indicicate an underlying issue. I would give it a good watering for a few nights and see how the shrub gets on.
Earwigs and slugs are notorious for petal damage but yours seem to have litterally been shed. Peonies often fall over under the weight of their own flowers, usually combined with excessive rain or wind and a cage around their lower section is better than a pole. Has the plant been damaged where it's been tied to the pole?
Thanks Dave- Will water it well for a few nights and see how it goes.
I have tied it loosely to the pole so i don't think it would be damaged. The petals fell when i touched the flower- so i am wondering if that is because it has now bloomed fully and is wilting?
Petals fall when the flower has done its job and been pollinated. If you leave the seed heads on the plant will put energy into seeds which is fine if you want to save them. Otherwise, cut them off, taking the stem back to a leaf node and then give it a feed of slow release granules such as pelleted chicken manure or blood, fish and bone. The foliage will look attractive for months and will also build up the plant for a good flower display next year.
Ah okay- thank you for the advice, Obelixx! Will action