Paeonia Lactiflora - leaves turning yellow and dying

I would be very grateful if anyone can offer some advice before my garden shrub dies.

It was about one foot high when we planted it in the summer and it is about the same size now, but just recently the lower leaves have started turning yellow and the whole plant is looking fairly limp and pale. I'l try and post a picture.

Many thanks

Matt

 

Here are some pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23597878@N08/4036558205/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23597878@N08/4037309188/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23597878@N08/4037309534/

Many thanks if you can help.

 

Hi Matty,

It's perfectly normal, it's meant to do that. Don't worry, next year they regrow and will give you the most wonderful display the plant world has to offer. ( I am nuts about these plants lol).

 

That's great news. I look forward to seeing the display next year.

Thanks Lollipop

 

Well it died off completely over winter and I was a little unsure I would ever see it again but it has now regrown to about a foot tall with healthy looking leaves.

You were spot on Lollipop.

I look forward to seeing the display.

 

Ooooh I am so pleased for you, these are just perfect plants, they never fail to please.

 

Lollipop you were right about the flowers being magnificent - huge bright flowers. They are the best thing to have grown so far since I've started. Thanks for the advice.

Here's some pics of the blooms:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23597878@N08/4693169090/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23597878@N08/4692535109/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23597878@N08/4693199986/

 

They are little belters, well done. Mine too have just opened today.

The only heartbreak is that they do not flower for long so enjoy them while you can.

They smell divine as well:D

 

You were right about the flowers not lasting long - about 10 days and now they have dropped most of the petals which is a great shame. Should I dead head them? Is there any chance of a second flowering this year?

 

No, they won't flower again this year. You can get some different types that flower at different times of the year.

Also tree peonies flower about a month earlier than herbaceous ones, they can work out expensive and I feel their flowers don't last even that long.

Fortunately their foilage is a gorgeous backdrop to other plants when they come in flower. Hydrangeas planted amongst them look quite nice too.