ABSTRACT
Some suggest Paeonies are gross feeders and use of high-nutrient levels incorporated into the soil is recommended by a number of growers. Tree peonies, especially P. suffruiticosa, are particularly vulnerable to Botrytis paeoniae. Even herbaceous species appear compat ible with the tree peonies at least in the short- and medium-term. Cultural issues such as poor vitality, specific plant health problems, that is, virus infection, and a propensity to produce suckers, influence the choice of rootstock. Root grafting methods result in comparatively large amounts of exposed cut surfaces, indicating a need for protection from infection. Conventional apical or side veneer methods on rootstock stems, as opposed to roots, give excellent takes if seed-raised rootstocks of appropriate types are available. Non-suckering or restricted suckering species, such as the Gansu Hybrids, can provide seed-raised rootstocks potted into standard pots for conventional grafting to the stem.
