Q: Why are the stems of my peonies rotting where they meet the ground? A: A fungal pathogen has likely attacked your plant. Peonies are susceptible to a number of fungal pathogens, especially in periods of cold wet weather. The problem could be attributed to Botrytis or Phytophthora, both of which are quite common in peonies. The best treatment is to remove the diseased portions of the plant as soon as the damage is spotted. Be careful not to spread the disease yourself by handling diseased plants then touching healthy plants. The plant will likely recover on its own as long as the attack is not too widespread. Be careful this autumn to remove all dead peony foliage from the peony bed. This will help ensure the problem does not return next year as the fungi over winter in the foliage. Good air circulation around the plants will also help reduce the incidence of fungal diseases.

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