Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil feels soggy or swampy to the touch.
- Inspect the base of the stems for soft or discolored tissue.
- Dig down slightly to see if the roots are firm or mushy.
Likely causes
Poor soil drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks wilted even when the soil is wet, and the roots feel mushy or smell bad when inspected.
What to do: Dig up the peony and trim away any black or slimy roots with clean shears. Replant it in a spot with well draining soil, ensuring the crown is no more than 2 inches below the surface.
Planting too deep
PossibleHow to tell: The peony fails to thrive and the crown begins to decay because it is buried too far under the soil.
What to do: Carefully lift the root clump and replant it so the eyes are only 1 to 2 inches below the soil level. This allows the crown to breathe and prevents moisture from sitting against the stems.
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
If the entire plant is wilting and the roots are black and disintegrating, the plant may be too far gone to save. It is normal for roots to look slightly dark, but they should always feel firm.
Stopping it coming back
Always plant peonies in a location with excellent drainage and avoid burying the crown too deep in the soil.
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
- Can I save a peony with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the damaged roots, treat the remaining healthy ones with a fungicide, and replant in a drier location.
- How deep should I plant my peony?
- Plant the eyes of the root clump 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Planting deeper than this often leads to rot and prevents blooming.
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.