Is It Appropriate To Remove The Faded Petals From Peonies?

Deadheading peonies is a simple and effective method to promote healthier and bushier growth next season. To do this, use a pair of clean, sturdy bypass pruning shears, such as Fiskars Garden Clippers. Cut old blooms before the seed pods form, allowing the plant to store more energy for next year’s bloom. Identify a spent flower stem and follow it down from the spent flower head to the first set of healthy leaves or remaining buds. Make a clean cut just above the leaves or bud stem and avoid removing the stem just above the first set of healthy leaves.

When deadheading peonies, wait until the flowers have completely faded and the petals start to wither and turn brown. This usually occurs a few weeks after flowering. For optimal growth and bloom, prune your peonies in spring, summer, and fall. Deadheading peonies after they have flowered ensures that the energy of the plant is diverted into the roots and foliage, where it is required for photosynthesis and flowers.

Some varieties may not drop their old flowers well, but they remain hanging and ugly. Remove the whole flower stem for appearance. The best time to deadhead blooms is after they have faded and are starting to wilt, but before the seed pods fully develop. Remove seed heads after flowering to allow the plant to store more energy for next year’s bloom. Deadheading peonies helps improve the appearance of the plant, reduce the likelihood of fungal infections, and channel the energy away from the plant. The best time to prune a tree peony is right after it blooms, not in the fall like an herbaceous or Itoh peony.