Peony Flowers Changed Color

We’re trying to figure out why my neighbor’s peonies changed color. After she moved her red-blooming peonies, the next season some had red flowers while others were pink. My pink peonies are about 100 feet away. Did they cross-pollinate?

Cross pollination only affects characteristics, such as flower color, on the offspring of plants. We need to look at other factors such as mutations, viruses, and environmental factors when an existing plant experiences this type of change. Mutations can cause a change in flower color. There is nothing you can do to change it back. Some viruses can also cause a change in flower color. A virus was the cause of the streaking in tulip flowers that caused Tulipmania. Lastly, make sure the plant is in a sunny well-drained location keeping it healthy and flowering. Make any needed adjustments and wait to see what blossoms this spring. 

Related

Article

Yellow Tulips Develop Red Streaks

Article

Yellow and Curled Brown Leaves on Perennial Geranium

Article

Problems with Peony

Article

Curled and Shriveled Leaves on Perennial Hibiscus