Oh geez, that's terrible Doris, it could very well be Botrytis or Paeony Blight.....are you having a cool wet spring which is a factor.

The two most noticeable visual symptoms of b/b on peony plants are stems which have fallen over at ground level and decaying portions of these stems at ground level. The base of the stems become black or grey. At bloom time, some buds may turn brown and do not open.
Gray mold forms on stems just above soil level as seen in your photo.

Cultural control - Infected stems should be cut below soil level and trashed as soon as the disease is noticed, increase air circulation, lots of sunlight and easy on the watering.

Chemical control - Diseased plants should be drenched with a systemic fungicide. At fall clean up, foliage of diseased plants should be cut off and removed to prevent fungal spores from overwintering.

However, I don't think they sell systemic fungicides in Canada no more? Best to go to a reputable nursery and see what they have for Botrytis fungicide?

Best of luck!
Sharon

I had a peony with Peony Virus once years ago but it doesn't look like that. I agree with Sharon that it could be Botrytis. In my experience (in the peony with PV and two lilies with Botrytis), even if the plant collapses and appears dead, it may return next year undiseased if you clean up all the dead leaves really well. Hope it turns out ok for you!

Thanks for the help, ladies. I KNEW I should have posted here, first!

I had ruled out botrytis because our spring has been warm and dry, and there was no blackening anywhere on the plant, even at the base of the stems. However, that might only be one indication of the disease, or maybe that symptom will show up later.

In any case, I'll treat it for botrytis and cross my fingers. If I can keep the one stem alive, then, perhaps the roots will build up sufficient energy to make it through next winter. (Sheesh--do prairie gardeners ever stop thinking of winter survival??? It's June, for pity sakes!)

Systemic fungicides are not in stores, any more, Sharon, but I've got a litttle bit of Benomyl left from an earlier purchase that I've been saving for when I really need it. I'll try that.

Thanks for the encouraging words, Gil. I hope you're right in this case. I know that botrytis isn't necessarily fatal to mature plants, but this one's just a baby.

Thanks, again. I knew I could count on the great people in this forum. I don't know why I'd go anywhere else, first. :-)

Look at the photos on this web site to see why I want, so much, for this plant to live!

Here is a link that might be useful: Photos of P. anemoniflora

You called it, ladies! I went outside a little while ago, to administer the Benomyl, and the old leaves pulled out very easily. They were starting to discolour and become mushy near the base.

I had forgotten that Botrytis is also called Grey Mould. Had I remembered, the grey at the base of the stems would have been a huge clue!! Duh!! My only other experience with Botrytis has been when peony buds turn black and fail to open. Thanks for picking up on that symptom!

There's lots of air cirulation where the peony is planted (just a temporary spot...), but probably not enough sunshine (east side of house near foundation). Should I wait until fall to transplant it, or should I move it ASAP (considering it's still very small)?

Thanks, again, Sharon and Gil!

You're welcome Doris, I hear yah, I have visited the Peony forum at times, not much action over there ;)

Anyway, yeah, I would move it now, like you said, it's small and surely it won't bloom this year for you...its still early in the season, I just transplanted a clump of P. tenuifolia the other day, it too was not getting enough sun.

But remember, don't plant anything else in that spot for at least a year or two ;)

Good luck, I'm sure it will rebound for you next Spring.

Sharon

Thanks, again, Sharon. I'll move it this week.

Some of the specialty forums, like Irises and Daylilies, get a fair number of posts in a week, but others move so slowly. It's always fun to look for photos, and get a few tips about growing, but I never stray too far from "home". I'm just glad (and grateful) that this forum has such great expertise and advice!

Keep us posted Doris, that pic is really pretty and I can't wait to hear that it is recovering. I have had botrytis in rose buds before too, what a bummer.