Marianne's Response

Why Is My Peony Not Blooming This Year?

Good morning, Marianne!

I’ve a small peony that I’ve had for several years. It’s not blooming this year. Do you have any thoughts as to why?

It appears to be getting enough sun. I gave it some bulb fertilizer earlier this spring.

Thank you!
Denise Alvord

Posted by Denise Alvord on May 18, 2024

Marianne's Response

Hi Denise, I love this question because the answer is so easy. Scrape back any mulch or soil near the base of the peony plant. When peonies are planted too deep or have mulch on top of the root, they fail to bloom. There is no need to feed peonies if you have average to good soil. Too much fertilizer could encourage leaves at the expense of flowers. In the fall, when the peony foliage turns yellow, cut the stems back to ground level and remove the foliage. This will help to prevent disease. Next spring I predict a peony flower explosion from this plant. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti