How Short Can Peonies Be Cut?

Peony cutting season varies depending on the type and variety, ranging from April to June. They are best cut in the morning using sharp, disinfected shears to limit damage and disease spread. The ideal time to prune peonies is after the first frost in late fall, as this allows the plants to grow for three to four years before stems are cut for vases.

When pruning peonies, cut back the older stems to about 3cm in length or every third stem to this length if more cautious. The leaves should be green, as they are still using sunlight to feed the roots. Buds at the proper stage for picking should be 1 to 1 3/4 inches in diameter and have a slightly squishy feel when squeezed, much like a marshmallow. Cut each bud so that its stem is 14 to 18 inches.

The best cutting practice for peonies is to go down a little way on the stem, leaving at least two sets of leaves. To cut peonies, use sharp shears, cutting about 1 inch of the stem diagonally. The best time to prune a tree peony is right after it blooms, not in the fall like an herbaceous or Itoh peony. Once all packaging has been removed, use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut the stems at a 45 degree angle.

The ideal time to cut peony flowers is when the buds are in the “marshmallow” stage, which means they are soft to the touch but not yet open. Aim to cut peonies back to around an inch from the ground to keep the plant healthy and free of disease.