Contributed photo.

Peonies are a long-lived perennial that flowers in the spring and with the right care can flower for many years. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach advise the plants need care throughout the year. Some of the plants may develop large brown spots on the leaves, which is caused by a fungus. Diseased plant material should be removed in the fall but cutting the stems off at ground level. Remove the debris from the area. Also, proper spacing and watering can help minimize it.

Peonies can also get a white, powdery material on the foliage. This is powdery mildew, another fungal disease. Powdery mildew also occurs on lilacs, roses and turfgrass. It is more common on plants in partial shade, so moving plants to a sunny location often helps. Late September is a recommended time to move peonies in Iowa.