When Should I Prune My Peonies In Minnesota?

Tree and Itoh peonies require sun, well-drained soil, fertilizer, and good air circulation for their growth. Once established, peonies will bloom for years, providing a sign of summer. The main signal to cut back peonies is the leaves, which are still green and using sunlight to feed the roots. If the buds are too tight, the bloom may not be open at all. Cut the stem with a sharp knife and place it in warm to slightly hot water with flower food for 15 minutes to hydrate.

Wait until the first hard frost of autumn to cut down peonies. Even if there are no blooms, the foliage is still feeding the roots. Minnesota’s climate suits peonies, so provide support for taller varieties. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers.

As autumn approaches, knowing the right time and method to cut back peonies is essential for ensuring their health and vibrant blooms. Clean up peony foliage in mid to late October after a few freezes to give Minnesota peonies as much sun exposure as possible. Cut peony stalks down below the plant.

Prune tree peonies right after they bloom, not in the fall like herbaceous or Itoh peonies. Cut peonies in the puffy stage, when the buds are about to burst open. Peonies do not need a lot of fertilizing, and when herbaceous peonies die back in fall, clean up the foliage to reduce the chance of a disease.

Cut back peonies after the season’s first hard frost or after the foliage turns yellow. Wait until the first hard frost of autumn to cut down peonies. Do not cut down peony foliage until it is damaged by frost. In the third summer, you can cut as many as one-third of the blooms on your plant, and at five years, you may cut as many as two-thirds of the blooms. Never cut all the blooms.