What's eating my paeonia mlokosewitschii?

Paeonia mlokosewitschii ('Molly the Witch') is a species peony with single lemon-yellow blooms and ornamental seed pods. It shares typical peony pest pressures: botrytis blight is the most serious threat, followed by aphids on new growth. Deer and rabbits may browse the emerging foliage in open garden settings.

Stem collapse at soil level; grey mold on buds and lower leaves in cool, wet springs; reduced flowering. Remove infected stems to below ground; ensure good air circulation; copper fungicide applied at shoot emergence.

Soft shoot tips and flower stems colonised; distorted growth and sooty mold on honeydew deposits. Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil applied to affected shoots.

Young emerging shoots browsed in early spring, particularly in woodland-edge plantings where this species thrives. Protect crowns with wire netting in spring; use motion-activated deterrents or deer repellent spray.