If you’re new to growing peonies, you might wonder when and how much to prune them. Knowing the right time and technique for cutting them back will ensure they come back bigger and more beautiful in the spring.
Peonies are a joy to grow, especially for those who love cut flowers. They boast some of the most stunning blooms for floral arrangements, with large, soft petals and a lovely fragrance. Combined with their attractive foliage, it’s easy to see why peonies are a favorite among gardeners.
One crucial aspect of growing peonies is knowing when and how to prune them. It’s not a one-time task; pruning should be done in the spring, summer, and fall to maintain plant health and appearance.
Spring Pruning
In spring, pruning depends on the age of the plant. For first-year peonies, you shouldn’t let them bloom at all, as hard as that might be for an eager gardener. Removing all the buds in the first year allows the plant to focus its energy on developing strong roots, which will lead to healthier plants and larger blooms in the future.
For established peonies, spring pruning involves deadheading the spent flowers. Once the petals have fallen, follow the stem to the first set of leaves and cut just above them. This will keep the plant tidy and help conserve energy for healthy foliage and root growth. Removing decayed matter also reduces the risk of fungal infections.
Summer Pruning
By summer, the focus shifts to maintaining plant health. Peonies, with their large, dense foliage, are prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew or botrytis due to moisture buildup. Pruning in summer helps increase airflow within the plant, reducing the risk of disease.
Check for any diseased or damaged branches, especially in the center, and remove them. If you live in a humid climate, it’s also a good idea to thin out the interior branches. You can also shape the plant for aesthetic purposes by cutting back to a node or set of leaves.
Fall Pruning
Fall pruning is essential for the longevity and health of your peonies, especially herbaceous varieties. Cut them back to the ground in the fall to prevent diseases and insect infestations, while keeping your plants looking neat for the next growing season. Tree peonies, however, require a different approach as they are shrubs and should not be cut down to the ground.
Fall pruning of herbaceous peonies removes dead foliage, helping the plant avoid diseases and encouraging stronger growth the following spring.
Final Thoughts
The key to pruning peonies is timing. Cutting them back too early can deprive the plant of the energy it needs for spring growth, and you may miss the beautiful fall color if pruned before the first frost. Prune your peonies at the right time and with the proper technique to ensure bigger, healthier blooms next year.
