Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture to see if it has dried out completely.
- Observe the plant during the hottest part of the day to see if it wilts.
- Look for signs of pests like scale on the stems.
Likely causes
Inconsistent watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaf tips become dry and crispy while the soil feels bone dry to the touch.
What to do: Establish a regular watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days. Apply water deeply at the base of the plant to ensure the roots stay consistently moist.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown during periods of intense, direct summer heat even if the soil is damp.
What to do: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to keep the roots cool. If possible, provide some afternoon shade during the hottest weeks of the year.
Find out what's wrong with your peony
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Worry if the browning moves from the tips toward the center of the leaves. Minor tip burn at the end of the growing season is normal as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist and use mulch to regulate soil temperature throughout the summer.
Keep your peony healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim off the brown tips?
- You can trim them for aesthetic reasons using clean scissors. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
- Does sun exposure cause brown tips?
- Peonies love direct sun, but they can get stressed if the heat is extreme and the soil is dry. Ensure they have enough water during peak summer.
More problems with Peony
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.