Peony 'Many Happy Returns' Deformed by Fungus
I keep thinking it's going to get better, but it's not. I've had this peony 'Many Happy Returns' for several years - since 2007 to be exact, so 12 years almost. Almost every year it is diseased, with wavy stems, stunted growth, and spots. Somehow it still manages to bloom most every year. Don't get me wrong sometimes it has okay years, but most of the time is doesn't. That's why this peony can never be a Southern Peony Best Performer because I mean, come one, who really wants a peony with wavy stems (and sometimes wavy foliage too)? I'm not sure if the fungus will ever kill this plant or not, but I don't think it will ever be pretty unless you spray it (and I don't spray anything for fungus in my garden). What you see is what you get. Luckily this is the only plant in my garden with this problem. Good thing there are several other red cultivars to choose from that don't have this issue.
Peony 'Many Happy Returns' Deformed by Fungus
Peony 'Many Happy Returns' Deformed by Fungus
Peony 'Many Happy Returns' Deformed by Fungus
Peony 'Many Happy Returns' Deformed by Fungus
Peony 'Many Happy Returns' Deformed by Fungus
Peony 'Many Happy Returns' Deformed by Fungus
Have you tried making horsetail spray for it?
ReplyDeleteIt's made from the weed horsetail and is completely non-toxic both to plants and to wildlife.
Instead of "killing" the fungus, the horestail spray strengthens the plant so the plant can build up its own defenses and fight the fungus.
If you spray every couple of weeks, maybe the plant will strenghten over time?
Lyndaker Farms,
DeleteI have never heard of horsetail spray. I will have to Google it. What is the recipe you use? I might just have to try it.
I knew there must be a reason I didn't kill that horsetail plant growing near my rain barrel! It looks kind of cool anyway...
Glad to know there's a use for it!
Adriana