Forum home› The potting shed

Peony

My1stcompMy1stcomp Posts: 6
in The potting shed
I have just received through the post a new bare root Peony which had new shoots of about 3" tall. Sadly I think the frost may have got it as one of the stems is squishy.
Can I save this and will it flower this year or do I just nurture it ready for next year.
«1

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,307
    Have you got a photo?
    Is it in a pot?
    Ideally, although they're very hardy, you would pot it up first to get it growing well before planting out, making sure the crown isn't buried too deep, as that can be a problem. If it's been undercover, it's better to keep it sheltered until it's suitable for acclimatising it.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • My1stcompMy1stcomp Posts: 6
    Yes it's in a pot and it's been fairly sheltered. I have buried it too deep  which after watching videos I now realise.  I'm going to recover it, keep it in a sheltered position  and hope 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,307
    Yes - info always says no more than about an inch below soil level, but I keep mine very slightly proud of the soil, as it's very wet here and ground takes a long time to warm up. That works well. It'll depend on your climate as to how you eventually plant though.
    Hopefully it'll be fine for you, if the rest of it is sound, and the soil it's in is well draining     :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • My1stcompMy1stcomp Posts: 6
    Great info. Thanks very much. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,307
    If it's a small plant, it'll take a while to settle and grow to full potential, but fingers crossed for you  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,154
    Peonies hate to be moved and small roots can take several years to reach flowering size so do not give up hope. They are also very hungry plants so a good feed of farmyard manure each year helps them on their way.
    I doubt if yours will flower this year. I have just bought a half-price Sarah Bernhart root which I am expecting to flower in 2/3 years time if I am lucky.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,769
    I agree with @Joyce Goldenlily ... peonies usually need a few years to establish before they're ready to flower ... but don't give up ... they're so worth it when they do.   B)
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,990
    I think they are better in the ground, the roots become huge over time and if they haven't got room for that the plant won't flourish


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 10,815
    Apparently it's a bit of a myth that peonies don't like being moved, if you do it properly at the right time of year, they can be moved successfully. Also I've found that many peonies are sold with buds/flowers on these days and flower in subsequent years. Perhaps I've just been lucky - either that, or they really like the soil here!
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,990
    Lots of gardening myths about. I've moved several Paeonies in early Spring and they came straight up to flower. I've only lost one which I'd moved to a pot in Autumn because the site wasn't ready.


    In the sticks near Peterborough
Sign In or Register to comment.