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| Paeony Wilt |
This may be first noticed when flowers fail to open and stems collapse.
This problem is caused by a fungus.
The infection is seen as a grey fuzzy mould that occurs just behind the flower bud and/or sections of stem shrivel and turn brown.
If the attack occurs low down on the plant, the whole stem collapses.
The only cure is to cut out and destroy all affected parts, even if this means cutting below ground to ensure no affected growth remains.
Be careful when removing and disposing of the diseased parts, if only to prevent the possibility of infective spores being blown about in the wind to other areas.
It is not known how long the disease can remain alive in the soil, so avoid replanting peonies on sites where the disease has previously occurred.
No chemical controls are available to home gardeners.
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