Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the stems for small brown bumps.
- Look for sticky residue on the flower buds.
- Check the undersides of leaves for tiny moving insects.
Likely causes
Peony Scale
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small, brown, bump like structures attached firmly to the stems. They look like tiny shells and do not move when touched.
What to do: Scrape off the scale insects with a soft toothbrush or your fingernail. Apply a horticultural oil spray to the stems in early spring before new growth starts to smother any remaining eggs.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: These tiny green or black insects cluster on the flower buds and new growth. They leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Blast the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your garden hose. If they persist, spray the affected areas with insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
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
Small numbers of aphids are usually harmless, but a heavy scale infestation can weaken the plant over several seasons. If the plant stops growing or stems start dying back, take action immediately.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area around your peonies free of weeds and debris to reduce hiding spots for pests. Monitor the stems closely in early spring.
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
- Will these bugs kill my peony?
- Usually not, but they can make the plant look sickly and reduce flower production. Catching them early keeps the plant healthy.
- Can I use systemic pesticides?
- It is better to avoid them, as they can harm beneficial pollinators like bees that love visiting peony flowers. Stick to physical removal or gentle soaps.
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.