Tuesday, April 14, 2020

2020 Peony Damage from Severe Thunderstorms During Level 3 Storm Threat


Intersectional Peony 'Bartzella' Damage from Severe Thunderstorms

I had several peonies that were damaged by severe thunderstorms yesterday. These two Intersectional Peony 'Bartzella' and Tree Peony 'Renown' were the worst. Intersectional Peony 'Bartzella' has been growing there for a while and has never been "knocked over" before. However this storm really did bring lots of strong wind (and rain and lightning). Tree Peony 'Renown' is actually a fairly new peony. It was planted in late 2018. So this is only its second growing season. I don't think anyone's stems were snapped completely off, but both of these looked like someone had stepped on the branches. Both of these peonies' stems were bent over from the base.


Tree Peony 'Renown' Damage from Severe Thunderstorms


Intersectional Peony 'Bartzella' Staked Up

So as you can see, I staked them up right away with a short 2 foot bamboo stake and some twine. Neither one of these peonies has had a chance to bloom yet this year. My early intersectional peonies have started blooming, but Intersectional Peony 'Bartzella' has not yet come into bloom. Tree Peony 'Renown' actually has 3 buds on it this year! It must really like its location, as it is growing foliage and blooms at an astounding rate. Last year it didn't have any buds or blooms on it! This year it has 3 big fat buds waiting to burst!! :-)


Tree Peony 'Renown' Staked Up

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