Why do peonies develope large green buds that don't open up?
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Myrna Quist on Oct 28, 2014I had one that did this too and this is a very good question. Can anyone help with this????Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on Oct 28, 2014Has this happened more than one season? If the buds look otherwise healthy, my first thought is the weather. A sudden chill at the later stage of bulb development can cause the condition you describe. If it happens year after year, that cultivar may just not be happy with the particular conditions in your garden.Helpful Reply
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Joanne Taylor on Oct 28, 2014Peoney's used to open fine,but now only partially open.Planted on southern exposure,full sun.Helpful Reply
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Patti @Hearth and Vine on Oct 28, 2014Not enough sun? Are they new or have they been moved? Peonies like to be plants pretty high. If you plant them too deep they will struggle. If not then probably the weather like Doug said is to blame. We're all crossing our fingers that this winter will be milder.Helpful Reply
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Angela Burkhart on Oct 28, 2014This sounds crazy, but there may be some truth to it...I have noticed through the years that there always seems to be ants gathered on the peony buds. Years ago I asked my grandmother why this was, and she said that if the ants weren't there, the buds wouldn't open. Don't ask me why, but that was her answer. My peonies bloom beautifully and I don't disturb the ants!Helpful Reply
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Barbara on Oct 28, 2014Full sun and I agree with Angela, if you don't have the ants you will not have the blooms; green thumb passed on by my Mom and Grandma.Helpful Reply
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The Garden Frog with C Renee on Oct 28, 2014Frost and sun- if neither of them then I need to ask "how long have they been in the spot?" if more than 5 years it is time to divide them. Perennials need to be divided and peonies are no exception. I also want to add that fertilizing them in the spring would be helpful too. (I use fish fertilizer). Ants do not aid in blooming but Ants love to gather on the peony blooms to drink in the sweet nectar. When dividing, just make sure to plant at the same depth and keep watered until established. Good luckHelpful Reply
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Gail on Oct 28, 2014I also agree with Angela they seem to need the ants to open. My Mom sprayed hers once, because the plant was near the house, and they didn't open learned to leave the ants alone.Helpful Reply
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The Garden Frog with C Renee on Oct 28, 2014Ants are not always on peonies and some varieties have more nectar than others. while it appears ants do aid in the opening of the buds, ants are not necessary because the bud will eventually open on its ownHelpful Reply
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Lisa Salerno on Oct 28, 2014I was always taught that ants are necessary with peonies.Helpful Reply
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Connie on Oct 29, 2014If you will notice, peony buds are very tight. The ants may be the answer to open them. They probably also like the nectar, but many times the animals are beneficial with other motives.Helpful Reply
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