WEST NEWBURY, MASS. 4| 
Culture of Peonies 
Peonies will grow in almost any location, but do best when 
not planted too near large trees. However, where they are 
given some shade from the hot afternoon sun, the delicate 
colors may be retained. A good garden soil of loamy texture, 
where there is drainage, will produce satisfactory roots and 
flowers. In this type of soil, no especial preparation is nec- 
essary except to loosen and break up any lumps. 
You may use any garden fertilizer available or bone meal. 
Wood ashes containing lime and potash have proved very 
satisfactory, The amount will be determined by the size of 
the plant, but a good handful is a rough measure. Too much 
rain may cause botrytis, a fungus which causes the stems 
to wilt and turn black. We find that ground limestone is one 
of the best correctives and this may be used freely. The dis- 
eased stems should be burned. 
The roots should be planted so that the buds are about 
two inches below the surface when the ground is settled 
around them. Too deep planting will result in good foliage 
but no blooms. This is usually the cause for lack of blooms. 
Do not attempt to replant Peonies in soil where they have 
grown before, and if the same location is desired, the earth 
should be removed and replaced by fresh earth from another 
part of the garden. When the buds attain about an inch in size, 
they exude a sticky honey which is attractive to ants, but 
these seldom do harm and will disappear in a short time. 
Peonies do best if transplanted in the autumn months from 
ANNISQUAM PEONY 
One Of Our New Introductions 
