Peony pruning is crucial for plant health and control of diseases. Herbalaceous peonies benefit most from an autumn haircut, while tree peonies should be pruned after blooming. The best time to cut back peonies depends on the region and the first hard frost or when foliage turns yellow. For herbaceous and Itoh peonies, late October is usually the ideal time for pruning.
After the first hard frost in fall, cut back peonies to about 3 inches (8 cm) high or all the way to the ground. Remove dead foliage and debris to prevent pests and diseases overwintering. To better understand when to cut back peonies for winter, growers should consider the rationale behind the process.
Pruning in July reduces the foliage that contributes to these reserves, but the roots should still have stored nutrients to support regrowth. The best time to prune a tree peony is right after it blooms, as they are very prone to fungal infections. Peony foliage should remain on the plant until it dies down with the first frost, and premature pruning will affect its ability to bloom next year.
You can either cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall/early winter or wait until early spring to remove. Tree peonies should not be cut back to the ground yearly but can be pruned for health and shape after blooming is finished.
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