What to Do About Root Rot and Bud Drop in Peonies? A Detailed Guide to Prevention and Treatment
Peony gray mold is one of the most important diseases of peonies worldwide, and it also occurs from time to time in China, being relatively severe in places such as Shanghai and Zhengzhou. The disease can occur throughout the peony growing season and is seriously harmful to young, tender plants, causing seedlings to lodge and wilt. This is a fungal disease that visibly affects peony leaves, stems, flowers and more...
1. Water and fertilize at the right time and in the right amounts. Since peonies have fleshy roots and are afraid of waterlogging, they should not be watered too much, and especially not heavily, since they are particularly prone to water accumulation, which otherwise easily causes root rot and leaf drop. Reasonable watering should follow the principle of "water when dry, stop when wet." Fertilizing should also not be excessive: besides applying base fertilizer, a dilute liquid fertilizer can be applied about once every 2 months; apply a dry fertilizer once during the dog days; and add bone meal and phosphate fertilizer 1? times during the flowering period.
2. Use a loose, fertile, well-aerated potting soil. Prevent water from accumulating in the pot.
3. Prune in time. Peonies should undergo one shaping prune after the flowers fade. Too many branches and too many flower buds consume large amounts of nutrients and affect the following year's blooming; even if they can bloom, the buds are prone to dropping.
4. Do not move them outdoors too early. If potted peonies are moved outside too early in early spring and suddenly encounter cold air or a cold snap, the flower buds very easily turn yellow and drop.