What's a gardener to do when April/May showers take away the flowers?
Over a dozen of this shrub's flowers opened this past Wednesday, but since heavy rains with thunderstorms were predicted for that evening — and did come — in full force both then as well as throughout Thursday (5-8-14), I have brought my Tree Peony into my apartment so the heavy rains would knock off its flowers.*
I have no awning in my garden to use to protect any flora, and umbrella placement is something I've thought of, but securing it in high winds (such as we've had in NYC) would be problematic.
Heavy rains are predicted for today (Friday) as well as tomorrow which means I should not take my shrub outside until Saturday.
ALL the flowers were knocked off my peony in heavy rains last year* (and they had only been here two days)! This is the reason I brought the peony inside, but the dryness in NYC apartments will not be to good for my dear shrub! I'm concerned about my peony's ability to survive inside even though I have put it in a good place for it.
Any suggestions as to what I might do? Other than that I go outside and stand over it with an umbrella?
*http://www.thelastleafgardener.com/2013/05/where-have-all-peonies-gone.html
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Beth Alaimo on May 09, 2014I think your peony will probably be fine for another day or two inside. Just kept it near the window for light and away from any source of heat.Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on May 10, 2014I'm with Beth. I don't think a few days inside will hurt your tree peony. You could always set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to try to increase the humidity.Helpful Reply
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Carol B on May 11, 2014In a rainstorm, can you form a shelter for the peonies from your chairs and table? Perhaps stretch a piece of plastic across the tops of two chairs and place the peonies underneath?Helpful Reply
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Gretchen on May 11, 2014This is the first year in five that it looks like I may see my peonies! Usually the week they decide they will open is the week we have a full week of rain. Your peony should be fine inside right now - you could mist when you water it but especially if your heat is not on, it will be ok. Do you have a peony cage for it? I put cages on early in the spring, just as the plants start to grow. I also put cages on other kinds of plants if they are likely to flop. The cages won't prevent the flowers from being damaged but they will help the branches stay upright under the weight of heavy, maybe wet, flowers.Helpful Reply
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