Tree Peony in North

[Nyboy]

After seeing some flowering tree peonies in a friends garden I bought 3 trees. They where not cheap, I think they where grafted. 2 look like they are dead from winter, I am assuming since they are grafted they willn't grow back. Any chance I might be wrong about grafts ?

 

[thistlebloom]

NYboy, I found this, it sounds encouraging.

Tree peonies often appear dead their first year or two in the ground. The stress of moving them to a new location, along with possible drought over the summer can cause die back of the woody stems. This is not unusual. DO NOT DIG IT UP. Give peonies time. The first few years we grew tree peonies we would pull out the ones we thought were dead, they weren't. The ones we didn't have time to dig out of the ground became some of the most beautiful tree peonies in our garden. Make sure you properly planted your tree peony, in a suitable location, and are properly caring for it and it should be fine. Newly planted tree peonies do need to be watered every week or two during the dry summer months their first year or two as they do not have feeder roots on them yet. Be sure that the peony dries out fully between waterings as peonies do not like wet feet and can not tolerate over watering.

From this website: http://peonysenvy.com/peonycare.html#growth

 

[Nyboy]

Great news thanks !!!!

 

[Smart Red]

'Sides, Nyboy, my herbaceous peonies are up and looking well while right beside them my tree peony is still looking dormant from the winter. Leave it be!

We planted three tree peonies. Only one remains, but a second tree peony did die back on the woody grafted part. Lo, and behold! A lovely single-flowered peony continues to return every year from its roots.

 

[thistlebloom]

I love the singles. In roses too. Sometimes all that double-double fluff seems gaudy.

 

[Nyboy]

And singles hold up better in rain storm.

 

[Smart Red]

Mine actually has a pleasing scent.

And, yes, the better condition after a rain is a definite plus.

 

[thistlebloom]

One of my clients has about 20 beautiful peonies. They bloom every year just in time for the late spring/ early summer rains. The blooms get
so loaded with rain that they collapse the stems over the cage, and the white ones turn brown.

 

[so lucky]

That has been my experience with peonies in general. You have to look fast, because the rain and wind will get them just about every time.

 

[Smart Red]

Tree peonies don't fall true with rain damage. Perhaps it is the woody stems that keep the flowers from destruction after a good rain. I have found it necessary to 'stake' the heavy blooms on my tree peony or the flowers face the ground.