Help - fern leaf peony wilting

Question: I planted a fern leaf peony last fall, following planting instructions exactly. The peony bloomed approx. two weeks ago and was beautiful. However, a few days later I observed that some of the stems started "wilting" and then turning brown, plus a couple of the buds didn't open. I've continued to lose stems due to wilting over this past week. I'm concerned that this might be a type of peony blight but want to make sure before treating it. I was only able to attach 3 images but can send additional photos if needed.

Questions:
- What is causing the wilting and the blossoms to die before opening?
- If this is a type of peony blight, how can I best manage the problem, and/or what can I use to treat the plant?
- Is fern leaf peony foliage delicate such that I should minimize spraying with fungicides?

responder: Paul W. U of M Extension Master Gardener Dakota County Replied June 11, 2023, 12:21 PM EDT
response: I don't see anything that indicates Verticillium Wilt. Wilting can be caused by many factors like overwatering. excessive heat, or overfertilization. Here are some references for non-cultural problems:  Peony Problems (missouribotanicalgarden.org and 01153.pdf;sequence=1 (umn.edu)  The buds not opening are most likely caused by Botrytis Blight. Here is a reference for you: Bud-blast of Peony (missouribotanicalgarden.org)  It is very important to note that fall clean up of peonies is very important because any fungal infection winters over in the dropped leaves. Be sure you clean up all the stems and leaves of the plant in the fall and destroy them. Don't put them in your compost pile.  It will be OK to use a fungicide on the peony.  Be advised that fungicides are preventative, not curative. This means that the fungicides will protect the peony stems/leaves/buds that are not infected, but will not cure any part of the plant that is infected. You should just remove infected parts.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2023, 5:14 PM EDT
response: Hello again, I was very diligent about caring for my fern leaf peony this season. I sprayed the plant and surrounding soil with a fungicide to try and control what I assumed to be Botrytis Blight every 10 -14 days, was careful about watering, did not fertilize since the plant was obviously stressed, and removed all dead/dying foliage as it appeared. I even performed some soil improvements (well away from the roots) by adding sand plus additional compost and made sure that the ground was sloped away from the plant to improve drainage. Unfortunately, stems have slowly been dying off and there is not much left of what used to be a very healthy looking plant. I have large perennial garden with other healthy peony plants growing within a few feet of my fern peony, so I really don't know what went wrong. If you could help by answering a few follow-up questions I would really appreciate it.  Follow-up questions: Is there anything else you can think of that may have caused the decline of this plant? If this plant survives until fall, is there anything I can do to help it survive the winter other than clean up around the plant? Should I consider moving this peony to a different area in my garden yet this fall where it might receive a bit more sunshine? Note: I've read that transplanting fern leaf peonies is difficult, although mine was gorgeous when it came up this spring (planted in the fall of 2022).   Enclosed are photos of my peony from early this spring, and then again today. Thanks in advance for your help! -Robin     On 6/11/2023 11:21 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Paul W. U of M Extension Master Gardener Dakota County Replied September 11, 2023, 11:32 AM EDT
response: I am sorry, but I believe the plant is beyond saving. I would buy another one and move it to a different spot in your perennial garden. A sunnier spot is better.  Yellowing leaves like I see in the picture usually means that the plant is overwatered and the roots are rotting. Yellowing can also be caused by lack of nitrogen in soil, but I assume you have been fertilizing.  I don't believe that using the fungicide hurt the plant.  Spraying fungicides around the plant does not kill the fungus. As I said in my previous reply, fungicides are preventative not curative. That means spraying the plant protects the leaves that are not infected from becoming infected. It does not cure the leaves that are infected.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 11, 2023, 2:39 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response! I don't believe that I've over-watered, especially with the drought conditions this year. However, I've not been fertilizing because I thought this was not recommended when plants are under stress, plus websites didn't recommend fertilizing fern-leaf peonies other than in early spring.  Anyway, I'd sent you the follow-up email hoping you would have a miracle cure, but agree that at this point the plant is likely beyond saving. I will try again next spring, and pick a sunnier spot as you suggested. Thanks again for your help, -Robin      On 9/11/2023 10:32 AM, Ask Extension wrote: