tip...peonies/roses/Japanese beetles

[Sally in NC]

Hi All,

In my continuing, non-poisonous fight against Japanese Beetles, I offer this tip....

Peonies are unique in that they have nectaries on their stems before their blooms ever open....these attract a small wasp which then attacks Japanese beetle grubs in the soil around......

I am now transplanting my peonies to live beside my rose bushes.
i don't expect this to cure the problem completely, but in this little war every bit counts......besides.....roses & peonies are pretty together..........

Sally

[Ann B.]

Oh, such sadness! Peony are so beautiful, but they do not grow well in my neck of the woods. But I envy those of you that can grow them.

We also do not seem to have the Japanese beetle, but we have something else, that comes out at night. I am supposed to find out more next week in MG training.

Sally, you are so lucky. If I could grow them, I would have lots and lots of peony. They are gorgeous. Do you propagate them?