Peony Fall Care - Herbaceous and Tree Peonies

PEONY FALL CARE

It's that time of the year. perennials must be deadheaded, cut down, subdivided if needed.

(Hana Kisoi Tree Peony)

For peonies, it's definitely time to cut back the foliage, clean up and divide if needed. See blog on How to Divide Peonies.

Cutting Back the Herbaceous and Itoh Peonies

Cutting back the peony plant to within 1 inch of the ground level is essential. Leaves and stems that will ultimately fall on the peony bed can cause an overwintering of virus and other diseases that can be harmful to the plant. After you are done cutting down the plant, get rid of the cuttings by throwing them in the trash. Do not add it to your compost pile.

Fall Care for the Tree Peonies

Tree Peonies require a different treatment. They SHOULD NOT BE CUT DOWN. However, when the leaves fall off, dispose of the leaves as you would the herbaceous and itoh peonies.

Mulching for the Winter

If you experience severe freezing temperature in your area, add mulch after the first frost to prevent the cycle of freezing and thawing. Frost heaving can injure the peony’s crown and roots, exposing it to the extreme temperature.

Choose a mulch: straw, compost or dry leaves. Choose a mulch that allows the air to breathe.

Apply two to four inches of mulch to the top of the soil. Spread the mulch on top of and around, the peony plant. It is very important to mulch peonies well their first year to prevent winter damage.

However, if you live in a warmer climate area, do not mulch. The peonies need the cold weather exposure.

Mulch for the Tree Peony

Tree Peonies need to be kept warm during the Early Spring period.

Tree Peonies Lineup

ANNA MARIE TREE PEONY

IPHIGENIA TREE PEONY

LEDA TREE PEONY

BLACK PANTHER TREE PEONY

KAMADA NISHIKI TREE PEONY

HIGH NOON TREE PEONY

HEPHESTOS TREE PEONY

Resource for Tree Peonies at www.ilovepeonies.com