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2 stalks grew but one is wilting

10 years ago

Earlier this spring, I planted some bare root peony. 2 stalks have eventually emerged, and both were doing fine as they began to grow. They are about 4-6" tall now.

About 1 week ago, I noticed that one of the stalks is starting to wilt. It happens to be slightly shorter and behind the stronger-looking stalk, but both get access to sun as needed. But it's not quite wilting like it had been chewed through and not getting enough water. In fact, it's been kind of in this state for several days now, even after a good rain on this last Sunday.

Is this normal for a peony? If it's not, is there any suggestion on what I can do to help it? It is wilting but looks like it could still be saved if I knew what was going on or what I might need to do. (I will add a picture asap)

If I end up losing this one, would it grow any additional stalks this spring or is it all related to the eyes, and no more this spring but maybe there will be more eyes for next spring?

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

lizbest1
10 years ago
Bareroot peonies planted in the spring will put out some growth, maybe even once in a blue moon bloom that same spring, but certainly don't put out the same growth that one planted in the fall and overwintered will. Depending on where you got it your peony could've even been in storage for months out of the ground. If it's one of the bagged roots from a big box store your results are fairly typical for spring planted bareroots that same season.

But it WILL recover and you'll get good growth next spring. I've done the exact same thing and got the same results you describe then had to divide the peony just a couple of years later because it grew so big and fast. Don't let insignificant growth from a spring planted root, especially if it was small with only 1 or 2 eyes, discourage you!!
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gardenper
Original Author
10 years ago
Pic of the 2 stalks from an offset overhead view. As the days pass, the other one wilts and the stronger one gets bigger and bigger. The wilting one is noticeable as some smaller growth next to the big one.
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gardenper
Original Author
10 years ago
Pic from the side where the 2 sizes is even more discernable. There were similar in size at one point. It's almost like the bird nest where one baby bird begins to take more nutrition and food and gets significantly bigger than the sibling.

Thanks for the info earlier. I will just monitor the situation since it at least sounds like there isn't a disease or health problem on the peony.
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