When a peony comes up blind, the plant produces leaves and stems but fails to develop any flower buds. This is a common issue and usually points to something not quite right in its growing conditions or care routine. It's frustrating, especially since we only grow Peonies for their blooms. Unlike many plants, peonies can be particular about their environment, and even minor deviations can affect flowering.
Why This Happens
1. Planted Too Deep
One of the most common reasons peonies don’t flower is that they are simply planted too deep. The crown and eyes (buds) should be no more than 1 to 1.5" below the soil surface. If they're buried deeper, the plant will grow foliage but may not flower. This often happens when peonies are mulched heavily or when soil settles after planting. It's worth checking if this could be the case, especially with older or inherited plants with uncertain planting depth.
2. Not Enough Sun
Peonies also need full sun to flower well. Ideally, they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If they’re in a shady spot or surrounded by other plants that have grown up over time, they might not get the light they need to form buds. Trees, fences, or even neighbouring shrubs can slowly encroach on a once-sunny area, gradually reducing flowering without you realising.
3. Young Plant
Young peonies, or those recently moved, can take a couple of years to settle and start blooming properly. Patience is key, especially if everything else seems right. During this time, it's important not to overfeed or fuss too much, just provide consistent care and allow the plant to establish. Transplant shock can delay flowering, but flowers should follow assuming the roots are healthy and planted correctly.
4. Needs Dividing
If your peony clump has grown large and dense, it might need dividing. Crowded plants can struggle for nutrients and light, reducing flower production. Dividing is best done in autumn, once the foliage has died back. Carefully dig up the clump, separate it into smaller sections with at least three to five eyes each, and replant them with the correct spacing and depth. This not only rejuvenates the plant but can also increase your stock.
What You Can Do
If you suspect the peony is planted too deep, the best time to lift and replant it is in the autumn. Make sure the eyes are just below the surface. Take care during the process, peonies dislike being disturbed too often, so aim to get it right the first time. Water well after replanting and add a light mulch to retain moisture, avoiding the crown.
If the plant is shaded, consider moving it to a sunnier spot or thinning out nearby plants. Even partial improvement in light levels can help. Keep an eye on the surroundings as they grow through the seasons. If needed, consider pruning nearby shrubs or trimming back overhanging branches to let in more light.
If it’s a new plant or recently divided, give it time. Make sure it's well cared for, and it should flower in a season or two. Water during dry spells and keep the area weed-free to reduce competition. Mark where you’ve planted it so you don’t accidentally disturb the crown when working in the border.
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring. Avoid overfeeding, which encourages leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A slow-release fertiliser or a handful of bonemeal can provide a steady source of nutrients. Supplementing with a potassium-rich feed after flowering can also support bud formation for the following year.
Every 8-10 years, divide large clumps in autumn. This rejuvenates the plant and can restore blooming. Don't be tempted to divide too frequently, though peonies prefer to be left undisturbed once settled. If flowers start to decline after many years of good performance, that’s the time to consider division.
Other factors that can occasionally cause blindness include late frosts damaging the buds, pests such as vine weevils affecting root health, or diseases like botrytis which can rot young shoots. Check the plants regularly in spring for any signs of blackening shoots or collapsed stems and remove affected material promptly. Good hygiene and airflow around the plant help reduce these risks.
Peonies are low-maintenance once established but can be fussy if conditions aren’t quite right. A bit of troubleshooting usually solves the issue. Focus on depth, light, and patience and you’ll likely be rewarded with blooms in due time. Remember, peonies can live for decades and improve with age, making the effort well worth it in the long run.