Peony 'Horns': What Are They and Should You Be Concerned?

Decoding the ‘Horns’: Understanding Unusual Growth at the Base of Your Peonies

Peonies, with their lush, vibrant blooms, are a beloved addition to any garden. Their beauty, however, can sometimes be accompanied by mysterious growths that leave gardeners puzzled. One such phenomenon is the appearance of horn-like structures at the base of the plant. If you’ve noticed these peculiar protrusions on your peonies, you’re not alone. This article dives into what these ‘horns’ are, why they appear, and what you should do.

What are these ‘Horns’?

These horn-like structures are, in most cases, new shoots emerging from the peony’s crown. They represent the plant’s new growth points, the potential for future stems, leaves, and, ultimately, those magnificent flowers we all adore. Peonies are perennials, meaning they live for several years. Each year, new buds emerge from the crown, the part of the plant where the stems meet the roots, and these buds are the origin of the “horns” that you’ve observed. Their appearance is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle.

These structures are typically pale or reddish-pink when they first emerge, gradually turning green as they develop and are exposed to light. Their size can vary, depending on the peony variety, its age, and environmental conditions. In the initial stages, they may indeed resemble small horns or spikes. The shoots are fleshy and brittle.

Why Now? Timing of New Growth

The timing of these ‘horns’ appearing is usually in spring, coinciding with the end of the dormant period and the onset of warmer weather. Peonies typically begin their active growth phase as the soil warms up and daylight hours increase. However, depending on your local climate and specific conditions within your garden, these shoots may appear earlier or later. The timing also depends on whether your peonies are herbaceous, Itoh (intersectionals), or tree peonies.

• Herbaceous peonies: These are the most common type, dying back to the ground each winter and regrowing from the crown in spring.
• Itoh or intersectional peonies: These are hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies, offering a range of colors and growth habits. They have a more shrub-like appearance.
• Tree peonies: These are woody shrubs that retain their stems and foliage over winter, producing blooms on old wood.

Factors Influencing Growth

Several factors can influence the growth of these shoots:

• Planting depth: Correct planting depth is crucial for peony health. The eyes (the dormant buds on the crown) should be planted no more than 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the soil surface. Planting too deep can inhibit growth and flowering.
• Sunlight: Peonies thrive in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
• Soil: Peonies prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils can retain too much moisture, leading to root rot.
• Watering: While peonies are relatively drought-tolerant once established, they need consistent moisture during the growing season, especially during bud formation. Avoid overwatering, which can also lead to root problems.
• Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer, applied in early spring, can promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Differentiating from Potential Problems

While ‘horns’ are usually new growth, it’s important to be vigilant and be able to differentiate them from potential problems.

• Insects or pests: Inspect the area closely for any signs of insect activity, such as holes, discoloration, or webbing. If you suspect pests, research appropriate treatments for peonies in your area. Slugs and snails may also be culprits, and a simple removal may be sufficient.
• Disease: Look for any unusual spots, lesions, or discoloration on the shoots. If you notice signs of fungal diseases like Botrytis blight or powdery mildew, consult a gardening expert or local extension service for diagnosis and treatment.

Caring for Your Peonies and New Growth

Once you’ve confirmed that the ‘horns’ are indeed new shoots, it’s time to care for your peonies. Follow these tips:

1. Ensure proper planting: If you’ve recently planted your peonies, make sure they’re at the correct depth. If they’re buried too deep, gently unearth the crown and reposition it to the correct depth. Add some well-rotted compost to the soil.
2. Watering: Water your peonies deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
3. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to give the plants a boost. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
4. Sunlight: Make sure your peonies receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
5. Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
6. Deadheading: After the blooms fade, deadhead the spent flowers to encourage the plant to put its energy into new growth. Cut the stems back to a healthy leaf or bud. This is especially important to prevent disease.
7. Staking: Some peony varieties have heavy blooms that can cause the stems to droop. Consider using peony supports or stakes to keep the plants upright.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are these ‘horns’ always a sign of healthy growth? Generally, yes. The appearance of the ‘horns’ (new shoots) at the base of your peonies is a positive sign. They indicate that your plant is actively growing and preparing to produce flowers. However, it’s important to consider other factors like sunlight, soil, and watering.
• How long will it take for these shoots to produce flowers? This depends on the age of the plant, the variety of peony, and growing conditions. Established plants usually bloom in late spring or early summer. Young plants may take a couple of years to become established and produce a significant number of flowers.
• Can I propagate peonies from these new shoots? Peonies are typically propagated by dividing the root clumps in the fall, when the plant is dormant. It’s not advisable to propagate from the new shoots directly.
• What if I don’t see any ‘horns’? If you haven’t noticed any new shoots, check that the eyes are not planted too deep, and that the plants have adequate sunlight. Young plants may take a season or two to become established.
• My peony has ‘horns’, but they are not growing. What should I do? Check that the area receives enough sunlight. Ensure the soil is well-draining and that the peony is not planted too deep. Also, consider the weather. Unusually cold temperatures can sometimes stunt the early growth.

Conclusion

Observing horn-like structures at the base of your peonies can be both exciting and a little confusing for the first time. In most cases, these are simply new shoots, which are a good sign and a sign of life in your garden. By understanding what they are and by providing the proper care, you can nurture your peonies to produce an abundance of beautiful blooms for years to come. So, embrace the ‘horns’ and look forward to the spectacular show your peonies are about to put on!