Tree Peony question

Discussion in 'Trees' started by Geforce, Apr 11, 2010.

  1. Geforce

    Geforce Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi

    I have 2 two year old Peonys and at the momnet there is no sign of any buds coming , i have been feeding it with a high potash feed and planted the tree just above the crown i do have shoots coming from the ground.
    What time of the year should peonys show buds?

    thanks
     
  2. has bean counter

    has bean counter Gardener

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    Down here I've seen tree paeonies with stems in bud and stems that are probably dead. Both have new growth from the base. The one with the dead stem is in a more exposed but sunnier position.

    Is the stem green, scrape away a bit of the bark near the base. If it is then prune to just above a bud to encourage it to grow

    To get the best from TPs I would assume a sunny but sheltered position is required plus a good mulch. They are not fully hardy
     
  3. lollipop

    lollipop Gardener

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    Ah, yes-they can look like dead twigs stuck in the ground at times.

    I think they are amazingly hardy-to the point of being as tough as old roses. It is not uncommon to find a main stem dies back-a tree peony can spend a lot of energy in root growth when it is first planted. If the main stem was still alive it would be showing clear bud growth by now, especially as you are now seeing the fresh, burgundy growth from the base.

    They say that they don't like to wake up with the sun in their eyes. Afternoon onwards sun only-they can even take blazing sun in rich moist soil; they are pretty tough, I think the only reason is to prevent scorch damage to their flowers.



    The only thing I can say really is to do with feeding ( although that isn't the reason why your main stem has died back-it is actually common) I have only just given the garden it's first feed and the peonies get what everything else gets at this time-manure. I can't say whether it is the feed or not, I suspect not and it has naturally died back.


    They are stunning, almost perfect plants-almost only because of their short flowering period, but aren't they worth it? Do you know the name of yours?
     
  4. Geforce

    Geforce Apprentice Gardener

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    i will take some pictures so you guys can understand more.
    my tree Peony is about a foot tall but its all leaves and stems with no buds.

    So because there is no buds now does that mean it wont flower at all this year?

    :(
     
  5. lollipop

    lollipop Gardener

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    ".....be showing clear bud growth by now.." sorry got the wrong end of the stick and phrased that wrong, I meant fresh growth from a bud, not the formation of a flower bud-too early for that. I don't see why it wouldn't flower this year.
     
  6. Geforce

    Geforce Apprentice Gardener

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    so what time of year should i see flower buds?
     
  7. Silmar

    Silmar Gardener

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    I have flower buds on my tree peonies. I have had them 2 years and this year is the first year they will have flowered. One bud is just starting to break
     
  8. has bean counter

    has bean counter Gardener

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    depends were you are. In the south is now, further north you go it will be later.
     
  9. Agatha_M

    Agatha_M Gardener

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    According to my experience tree peonies of Chinese origin are more tender, and do need mulching and, as you said, a sunny and sheltered position, and they prone to dieback because of severe frosts.

    However, Japanese varieties are the most winterhardy things, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -30C°. Of course, winter-hardiness is not such an important issue here, but I had to be careful what I planted, that's why I need to know what to expect from them...
     
  10. has bean counter

    has bean counter Gardener

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  11. Agatha_M

    Agatha_M Gardener

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    I meant 'here' for You, English gardeners... Winters don't usually affect your gardens much, the only exception was this one you experienced... At the quiz section you can find my location as well. :)
     
  12. Geforce

    Geforce Apprentice Gardener

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  13. lollipop

    lollipop Gardener

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    Mine are usually in full flower at the end of May-I rather expect we may have to wait an additional 2 or 3 weeks because of the late start to spring.
     
  14. has bean counter

    has bean counter Gardener

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    flipping hech gforce they look great . Just have some patience
     
  15. Geforce

    Geforce Apprentice Gardener

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    lol yea but i keep hearing that i should be seenig some flower buds by now
     
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