Woodland Peony (Paoenia japonica) Question

pauhaus · Post by **pauhaus** » Apr 25, 2006 12:19 pm

Hi all, I have a woodland peony that I planted last year. It came up this year with two strong stems with a flower bud on each stem. Should I cover this baby up when the temps dip below freezing tonight? I am assuming since this is a woodland plant that they should be pretty hardy but I don't want to lose the blooms or the plant. What do you think?

KellieD · Post by **KellieD** » Apr 25, 2006 3:07 pm

I would say it would be better to be safe than sorry.
After my plants had already started leafing out this spring we had some 20 degree nights and all the new growth got fried! Some of the plants kicked the bucket at that point.

pauhaus · Post by **pauhaus** » Apr 25, 2006 3:58 pm

Sorry to hear that Kellie. Thanks for the input. I will plan on covering then.

viktoria · Post by **viktoria** » Apr 26, 2006 9:29 am

Generally plants that come up early will take at least 27F. We had 25F last night and nothing is harmed. Lower than that and I would worry.

KellieD · Post by **KellieD** » Apr 26, 2006 10:15 am

It depends on what the ambient temperature is prior to that. My olants were enjoying 45 to 50 degree weather and got zapped with 20.
I still say better safe than sorry.

pauhaus · Post by **pauhaus** » Apr 26, 2006 10:58 am

I covered the peony and all is well. I'm glad I did because some of my hosta got bit by frost pretty good. Thanks for the input.