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Heirloom Peony Distorted Growth: Wait and See

Old family peonies (since 1800s) moved in winter, now with tiny, curled, yellow-green deformed leaves on most stems, one normal stem with bud: likely mycoplasma (phytoplasma) causing stunting, or transplant shock.

Recommendation

Do nothing this season; let plants run their course.
Fertilize lightly; water during dry spells.
If distortion recurs next spring, cut back hard.
Mycoplasma may disappear spontaneously.

Why Wait

Recently moved, stressed plants need recovery time. Aggressive treatment may harm more than help. Heirloom value warrants patience.

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