The Extent Of Peony Cutting For The Winter?

To cut back herbaceous peony cultivars, use sharp garden shears and cut the leaves all the way back. Cut the stem to about 1″ above the soil and place a plant marker next to it to prevent stepping on them over winter. Full sun peonies need a good period of cold temperatures to help spur their bud development, which takes about 30-40 days of cold temperatures below 40F, resulting in 700+ hours of chilling time.

In the fall, cut back peonies to about 2 inches above ground level, removing any dead or damaged foliage. It is also a good idea to clean up around the base of the plant, removing fallen leaves. Herbaceous peonies benefit most from an autumn haircut, as they will die back only to re-emerge next spring.

To prune tree peonies, cut them back right after it blooms, not in the fall like herbaceous or Itoh peonies. After a hard frost in the fall and once the plant has died or yellowed, cut the stems back at or near ground level, being careful not to cut just above the crown.

After the first hard frost in fall, cut back peonies to about 3 inches (8 cm) high or all the way to the ground. Then remove the dead foliage. Peony plants should be cut back in fall, after the first frost, at this time, stems will have died back naturally. For herbaceous peonies, the stems are done and new growth from the roots will emerge.

In summary, pruning herbaceous peonies is essential for their health and growth. To ensure proper pruning, use sharp garden shears, remove dead or damaged foliage, and clean up around the base of the plant. Remember to cut back peonies at the right time for optimal growth and health.