So some are thriving? It is amazing! Although generally speaking, peonies are pretty drought resistant (at least, that’s the thinking). You could check the depth of the weaker ones with the tiny stalks, and while you’re at it check their overall condition. If there is damage or any signs of disease (rot) or dryness and discard, if necessary. Fall is the best time to do this.
Overall, you might also check your soil pH; peonies like 6.5 to 7.0. See here for more on that: http://www.almanac.com/content/ph-preferences
You might also just reconsider the growing conditions: soil quality, sunlight, moisture. Above, we advise low to no fertilizer, but if you want to give your plants a boost, a “complete” fertilizer (5-10-5 or 5-10-10) at 2 to 3 ponds per 100 square feet in the spring (or very soon) would be ok. So would, alternatively, an inch or so of aged manure.
If these steps fail to bring the wee ones back to thriving condition by next year, then you should think about replacing them—in which case before you spend any money, you could see if the existing plants can/should be divided.
So some are thriving? It is amazing! Although generally speaking, peonies are pretty drought resistant (at least, that’s the thinking). You could check the depth of the weaker ones with the tiny stalks, and while you’re at it check their overall condition. If there is damage or any signs of disease (rot) or dryness and discard, if necessary. Fall is the best time to do this.
Overall, you might also check your soil pH; peonies like 6.5 to 7.0. See here for more on that: http://www.almanac.com/content/ph-preferences
You might also just reconsider the growing conditions: soil quality, sunlight, moisture. Above, we advise low to no fertilizer, but if you want to give your plants a boost, a “complete” fertilizer (5-10-5 or 5-10-10) at 2 to 3 ponds per 100 square feet in the spring (or very soon) would be ok. So would, alternatively, an inch or so of aged manure.
If these steps fail to bring the wee ones back to thriving condition by next year, then you should think about replacing them—in which case before you spend any money, you could see if the existing plants can/should be divided.
We hope this helps.