A client asked about the best time to prune peonies, as the foliage was dying back this time of year.
It is important to wait until after 1 or 2 frosts to be sure the plant is dormant before pruning it back. Doing so earlier is likely to severely weaken the plant and actually may reduce blooms the next year. Cut back to about 3 inches above the ground, then lightly cover with a thin layer of mulch.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pruning of herbaceous peonies in late fall is important to remove the dead and unsightly foliage but also to help prevent disease problems in the spring. [1, 2, 3] Wait until after the plants are dormant; until then the plants are producing and storing energy for next year. Tree peonies should not be cut back. [2, 3]
It is very important to discard or burn any of the foliage removed when the plants have been cut back. Botrytis blight (Botrytis cinerea), also called gray mold, is a common problem of peonies and other herbaceous perennials in the spring, and removing the dead foliage in the late fall is an essential pest management tool. [4] Do not compost the foliage to avoid spreading the disease to other plants. Don’t over-mulch the plants over winter – peonies will not do well under heavy mulching. In fact, peonies need winter chilling in order to bloom, and too much mulch can prevent proper chilling. [1, 2] In fact, it may be best to remove all mulch (and discard or burn as with the foliage). [2]
SOURCE: October 2019 BAMGA’s From the Help Desk
BetsyB., Bedford Extension Master Gardener, Help Desk Coordinator
All resource links live and accessed, September 14, 2019
RESOURCE LINKS
[1] https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/peonies-for-the-home-landscape
[2] https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/peonies/
[3] https://extension.psu.edu/cutting-down-perennials-in-the-fall
[4] https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/450/450-602/450-602_pdf.pdf
–A Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association (BAMGA) Publication–
Answers provided herein were based on specific situations and growing conditions.These recommendations may or may not be appropriate for all circumstances.For specific recommendations for your particular situation please contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.
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All resource links live and accessed September 9, 2019