Peony question.

I bought a peony last year and I can't remember the name of it, but I bought it as a root/tuber thingy and I planted it and it came up about 5" tall and died. I more or less chalked it off as a loss. But I was out there looking today and low and behold there it was!! Its up about 7-8" and looking fine. Now here's the question, Does the bud come up at the same time as the leaves? I mean should I be seeing the bud now or will it come up later? I have always heard that the bud comes up when the first new leaves begin to show themselves. like all at one time. I know I can't explain it very well, but maybe someone will know what I am talking about. any ideas?

I don't think you'll see buds for a while. It's possible it may not even bloom this year - it takes new plants a couple years to become established. The buds start showing in June around here.

Thanks Poppysue, I am just glad to see it came back!! I had it chalked off as dead forever hee hee can't wait now! even if it takes a couple of years....its worth it!

Mollybee, the flower buds do come up with the leaf stalks, but will be TINY until they get taller. Be careful not to damage the stalks! I stake each one, as the flowers are too precious to lose. (Usually we get severe rains just as they are opening, and the flowers are too big for the stems!) John

Thanks for the heads up on that John, I plan on keeping a real close eye on this thing! I simply can't wait to see if it blooms!

Molly I've had this site bookmarked for a long time now and passing it on to you. It's wonderful!!

http://www.discoveredmonton.com/devonian/getgro26.html

Molly, one source I read said to pinch off any flower buds the first year or so; and let the plant put its energy into developing a strong rooting system before it is expected to flower. (Easier said than done, I know!)

Your peony should indeed be sending out shoots and possibly flower buds now; you're a bit warmer than me, and mine are leafing and budding out all over the place. I know I should stake them, but I seem to get caught off-guard by their appearance each year, LOL. But if you are planning to use a ring, now is the perfect time to set it up, about 12" above the plant, and let the stems grow through the holes in the mesh.

Thanks for the link Louisa I am putting it in my favorites!

go-vols,Man that is soo hard to do! I'll do it if I have to but that seems soo drastic doesn't it?! But I am sure it will pay off come next year, and if that is what it takes to make it into a beautiful flowering plant so be it.
I guess I can do it since I had already thought it was a goner anyways.
Thanks ya'll

Oh PLEASE don't pinch off those buds!!! Won't hurt a bit, those roots are vigorous! How about a compromise, leave just the center bloom on each stalk, and dis-bud the others very carefully pinching off with finger and thumb?! John

OK John...you talked me into it!! hee hee I sure was hoping someone would come along and talk me out of it. Thanks John!! You're a lifesaver.....er a Peony saver lol

Mollybee, glad to hear it. Here's an idea though: when the flowers fade, remove them so that the strength of the plant does not go into forming seeds. Enjoy those blooms! John