Peonies need to be pruned every now and then. There are differences between perennial and shrub peonies.
Every year, hobby gardeners look forward to the enchanting blooms of their peonies in the garden. With its white, pink or red flowers and their fresh fragrance, the peony is one of the most attractive early bloomers.
As with all other flowering plants, careful maintenance is essential for plant he alth. This also includes the autumnal cut. Basically, this one is uncomplicated. Nevertheless, you should know that there are deviations in plant pruning between perennial and shrub peonies. We want to explain these to you in the following sections.
Difference in the growth forms of peonies
Basically, the hobby gardener differentiates between perennial peonies and tree peonies.
Like all other flowering perennials, the perennial peony sprouts anew every year. It can grow over 1 meter high. It forms a flower up to 20 cm in size per flower stalk.
The shrub-forming Peaonia develops woody branches on which the budding buds are located. Such a peony can grow up to 2 meters and higher. Its large, fragrant and overhanging flowers are particularly attractive. In the leaf axes of the new shoots that have grown in the current garden year, the flowers for the following year are prepared. Special attention must be paid to this during the cut.
Pruning perennial peonies…
»… as vase decoration
For a bouquet, it is best to cut the flowers early in the morning. Select budding flowers that are about to open and whose flower color is already discernible.
»… after flowering
As soon as your perennial peony has faded, simply cut it off below the blossom. However, the leaves remain attached.
»… in autumn
At the end of October/beginning of November, simply cut away all the above-ground parts a hand's breadth above the ground.
Pruning Shrub Peonies
When pruning shrub peonies, the principle applies: "Less is more". It is also usually not necessary to use scissors at all.However, many hobby gardeners sometimes get to work very quickly with the secateurs and are then often left behind by the magnificent shrubby peonies. All this "snipping" ultimately means that flowering does not occur in the coming years or only develops sparsely.
When should you prune shrub peonies?
- In November/December, cut back old branches that are no longer flowering or infected with a fungal disease. The cut is made right into the he althy wood, if necessary just above the ground.
- After a particularly harsh winter, terminal buds and sometimes entire branches can freeze back on shrub peonies. Then cut back shortly after they have sprouted in March/April to the next sprouting bud. This should be on the outside of the bush if possible.
- It is not uncommon for the shrub peony to be attacked by gray mold. Branches and leaves then show a gray coating. If you notice gray mold on your peony, cut off all diseased parts of the plant completely.
➢ Scissors away from young shoots
He althy new shoots that have developed during the gardening year should not be pruned. These will bear new flowers in the coming year.
Tip: It is best to only cut the shrub peony in exceptional cases. And if: then only as much as necessary.