Peonies

[WisconsinGardener]

We had peonies at our old house that were close to 100 years old - never divided, never fertilized - smelled absolutely wonderful. Flopped to the ground every single year, without fail.

When we moved to our new house, one of the first things I did was plant peonies - some of the more modern ones with strong stems that don't flop. Hardly any blooms, even 25 years later, and no smell. Wish I'd brought a clump of the old ones with me.

[MtnGal]

We were having trouble and an old timer old us they were too deep. Over the years the mulch breakdown added to their depth. Move dirt/mulch away, at least a foot if very old plants so they can breathe. Did the trick for us.

[Laurane]

Well, I don't see any remedy which might work - I don't fertilize and maybe that is the only problem, but the person I bought from didn't either......so maybe they are the new type which are picky, or may be it is just too hot?? They get lots of water, but the leaves don't look all that healthy.

Do any type of animals eat the buds? We have bunnies and deer.......

[NC Susan]

Maybe should not get too much summer water
And the kind of dirt is important too

My gram in Pa Poconos with 60 year old pink peonies and lilacs and first Mother in Law in Ontario NY had amazing 40 year old pink peonies and 6-8 foot tall Hollyhocks. Their yards smelled heavenly
I call that Northern cooler weather "Geranium Country" Where summer nights are cooler than 70 degrees

Both had planted the perennials as new brides / homeowners in full sun

I remember The ants were huge and shiny glossy black

I planted new roots 3 times here and never got past the first years green growth
I think the ground is just too hot here and we do normally get a lot more rain than mountain folks
Also we are getting GM stock -when is the last time you smelled a rose that smelled like a rose ?!!
Nothing is really heritage anymore

[big kumara]

Ants have nothing to do whether peonies bloom or not. Plump, healthy flower buds exude nectar, which attracts the ants. If the foliage looks bad and buds don't form and they get hit by sprinklers, I'd guess the problem is a fungal disease. Peonies would rather be dry than wet. Like rhubarb, they need a little benign neglect.