Question
Hi Mike: I've had my peonias for 8 years already and I still haven磘 had flowers. The flower buds form but don磘 open sometimes I've had a small flower but doesn't open fully. I live in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. The climate is similar to that in Scotland. Do I need a fertilizer or is there any pest that might be affecting the buds? The leaves grow beautifully but I don磘 get the flowers I expect so much!
I'd love to have this problem solved because I've been waiting so long to have those beautiful flowers!
Thanks for your help.
Silvina.

Answer
Silvina, your soil is most likely lacking phosphorus, the one nutrient needed for blooming. Phosphorus is the second number on the front of fertilizer packaging. With most flowering plants, you definitely want to avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen. This nutrient, the first one on the package, tends to stimulate lush foliage at the expense of blooms. A good ratio is 10-40-30, but as long as the second number is the highest, you should be alright.

I would also recommend amending your soil this fall with organic matter, such as peat, compost, and aged manure. This will help balance the ph level of your soil and feed your plants throughout the growing season. In short, fertile soil produces healthy, blooming plants.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike