THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



In addition to proper location and good soil, 

 drainage is most necessary : excessive moisture en- 

 com'ages the development of a white fungus to 

 which the tree peony is susceptible. 



Planting 

 Late September or early October is the best 

 time for planting tree peonies. The roots should 

 always be closely examined for white fungus. 

 Any rotted parts should be cut off, and the roots 

 given a soaking in a five per cent, solution of 

 formalin. Unless the fungus is thoroughly re- 

 moved it will spread and eventually cause the 

 death of the peony. In planting, care should be 

 taken that the roots do not cross each other, and 

 that the tree is set at the same depth as it was 

 in the nursery. 



Cultivation 



Tree peonies, unlike herbaceous peonies, 

 should never be cut down. With the exception 

 of an occasional shaping of the tree and the re- 

 moval of the ends of the branches when they have 

 died back a little, pruning is unnecessary. 



For the first winter after planting the ground 

 should be mulched with a light covering so that 



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