Question
Last year I had some dark spots and wilting on my peonies, so this year I was spraying them with a systemic fungicide to prevent the problem. The plants themselves looked good all summer, but when the flowers opened, they became brown and shriveled. Of course I removed them when I discovered the problem. I cut the plants to the ground every fall. What else can I do to prevent this problem. Even though I like the green plant, I do grow peonies for the pretty blossoms. I had none this summer. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Diane,
Thanx for your question.  There are a number of issues that could have contributed to the problem your peonies have but I think it is botryis which is a type of fungus.  The disease could have carried over and attacked the buds while they were still immature.  Cutting the plants back to the ground and totally removing the vegetative waste is a good sanitation practice.  Don't save on the compost pile.  Either burn it or put it on the street with the rubbish to be picked up and hauled away.  The other issue could have been a late frost or cold spell.  It may not have shown outwardly but the late cold spell could have killed the bud but it looked normal until it started to warm up.  Another possibility is if you had an unusual amount of rain this year.  Buds will get waterlogged and start rotting and dying.  I'd continue to cut the plants back to the ground each fall and totally remove the refuse from the area and destroy and/or get rid of it.  If you have the problem again next year, take a sample to your County Extension Agent.  If you need contact information give me your general location.  I hope this helps.
Tom