When Should Georgian Peonies Be Pruned?

In late fall, it is essential to cut back peonies to minimize disease risks and ensure winter protection. To do this, prune post-bloom and cut back in late fall. Peonies are cold-hardy, so adding a layer of mulch around the base can help protect them from frost.

When pruning peonies, it is crucial to wait for the first frost in autumn, when the leaves have turned color and you are digging out sweaters. If you can trim your peonies, it can protect against fungal disease. Three essential factors for success with peonies in Georgia include choosing a well-draining location with at least six hours of sunlight, planting peonies in the fall, fertilizing regularly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, and keeping the soil moist.

For tree peonies, it is not necessary to remove any foliage before it turns brown in November. After that point, you can prune common peonies back to the ground. However, if you have a tree peony, do not prune it to the ground; leave the brown structural twigs in place.

Cutting back peonies after the season’s first hard frost or after the foliage turns yellow depends on your region. Loose, well-draining soil, protection from afternoon sun in summer and chilly winters are essential for success with peonies in Georgia.

Tree peonies should be pruned right after they bloom, not in the fall like herbaceous or Itoh peonies. Peonies at Hills and Dales are cut back in late summer, leaving about six inches of each stem. Early morning is always the best time to cut if possible. Once planted, peonies will open up within a day or two and last much longer.

In conclusion, pruning peonies is essential for their survival in cold weather and providing winter protection.