It's time to cut back your peony plants, but when is the best time to do it? Here's a guide on when and how to trim peonies for longer-lasting, healthier plants:
The ideal time to cut back peonies is in the fall, after the first hard frost. This usually occurs between October and November, depending on your climate. Wait until the foliage has turned yellow or brown before trimming.
Cutting back too early can rob the plant of vital nutrients needed for next year's growth and blooms. The leaves and stems still hold nutrients that need to be transferred to the roots for storage over winter.
How to Cut Back Peonies Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the stems back to about 1 inch above the ground. Be gentle around the base of the plant to avoid damaging the crown
Remove all the cut foliage from the area to prevent the spread of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew, which can overwinter on dead leaves.
In cold climates, add a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant after cutting back to protect the roots over winter. Remove the mulch in early spring.
Cutting back peonies at the right time and in the proper manner will result in bigger, healthier, and more floriferous plants next season. Be sure to time your pruning with the first hard frost for best results.