Too much sun for peonies?

16 years ago

Hi. I live in the northern tablelands of NSW, Australia. We are about 1000 feet above sea level. We have cool winters (below freezing at night) and fairly warm summers (25-32 degrees celcius). I have some peonies that I have planted in a full sun location, and I recently planted some of the same variety in an area that gets afternoon shade.I have noticed that the peonies that have afternoon shade have grown more, have much larger leaves, and overall look more healthy. The ones in full sun have relatively small leaves. Last year the leaves on these had turned brown at the edges and had died down before the end of summer, and they have not flowered. Do you think I should move the peonies from the full sun location, or should I be able to correct the problem, i.e. by giving them more compost, mulch and water? Or will the peonies tolerate the full sun better once they are established?

Comments (5)

evonnestoryteller
16 years ago
http://www.demesne.info/Garden-Help/Flowers/Peonies.htm

I looked here. They recommended full-sun, and light afternoon shade in warmer climates.
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
16 years ago
If they have consistent moisture they should not sunburn. When you find the edges of the leaves turning brown it could be a sign of fertilizer burn. Except for tree peonies all my peonies are in full sun in an area known for strong sun. Al
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maifleur01
16 years ago
There is a question if all peonies are sun tolerent. Depending on where you live some do better in shade. Since you are closer to the hole over the south pole I would think that some types could be receiving too much UV rather than just sunlight. Do a search for Elizabeth Rundle. Sometimes listed as the Peony Lady of Austrialia. She could provide information on things to do in you area.

If you can find a book with where peonies originated you will see they are from deserts to pine mountains to under shrubs. They really do not have just one environment that they thrive in.
jeannie7
16 years ago
Its generally agreed that where the plant is subjected to the hot sun of milder climates, they should have their roots well shaded.
That makes sense doesn't it.....after all, its the roots that feed the plant. There aint no plant without roots.
If the plant is a sun lover, and we can see to it getting proper amount of water and the roots are alive and well, then I figure the plant is doing OK.

If the sun's intensity is really hot, then why not just plan on giving it some shade during those periods....but not necessarily changing the position of the plant to somewhere where it wont get the amount of sun it can put up with.
As far as shading the roots, there's no end to ways to accomplish that. A low growing mat of groundover, some gravel or a rock of size, some wood sticks, mulch to be sure....and anything else that will keep the soil at the base of the plant cooler.

By the way, we are very proud of our young niece who is coming to live for a while in Australia come February.
She's really looking forward to experiencing the down under hospitality.
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
16 years ago
One thing my peony roots have is plenty of shade from the dense foliage on the peony. In the winter when the foliage has been removed we don't get enough sun to warm anything. Al