Q: Why are my peonies not blooming? A: Peonies don't bloom because of cultural problems or disease. There are many possible reasons for the lack of flowers. The following are a few: · Young plants - Sometimes it can take 3 years to get blooms from a slow growing peony · Small divisions - When very small divisions are planted flowers take longer to appear. · Not enough sun - With the exception of areas with very hot summers, herbaceous peonies generally prefer full sun. An hour or two less won't make much difference but heavy partial shade will reduce the likelihood of flowers. · Poor nutrition - Peonies are heavy feeders. If soil is poor or there is too much competition with nearby shrubs and trees, peonies will not flourish. · Planted too deeply - Divisions should be planted with the top eyes on the crown no deeper than 5 cm (2 inches). · Disease - Peonies hate growing in wet areas! Rot sets into the crown and over time the plant weakens. I have seen peonies hang in for years in poorly drained sites but they don't flourish and eventually they succumb to the rot. · Bud blast - Young buds are attacked by a fungal pathogen or late frost and don't develop

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