Peonies are not heavy feeders, but they do respond to an annual application of slow-release plant food such as Osmocote. Follow the instructions on the package. One tip: do not pile compost or mulch close to the stem of a peony plant, as it could stop the peony from flowering. Planting a peony too deep, smothering it with mulch or feeding with a strong, high-nitrogen plant food are all reasons that a peony will fail to flower and instead grow lots of lush leaves. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti