THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



The tree peony will, under favorable condi- 

 tions, live a great many years. There are records 

 of some ninety years old. Wlien once established 

 they should be left undisturbed indefinitely. 



Fertilising 

 The tree peony may be fertilised in the same 

 manner as the herbaceous. In moderation, weak 

 manure water, wood ashes and bone meal may all 

 be safely used. The Japanese successfully employ 

 a special mixture composed as follows : 



Compost 11/2 - 13/4 lbs. 

 Superphosphate of lime ^ oz. 

 Straw ash 2 - 3 oz. 

 Oil cake 1/2 lb. 

 Saltpetre 1/^ oz. 



This formula was recently given to me by a 

 larger grower of tree peonies in Japan, and as 

 the culture of the tree peony receives especial care 

 in that country, the information should be valu- 

 able. Like all other fertilisers, the mixture must 

 be used with extreme caution. 



Fertilisers may be applied to the best advan- 

 tage at any one of the following times : one month 

 after the flowering is over, in the Autumn after 



212 



