How To Winterize Peonies

How to winterize peonies

Once the plants start to yellow or brown in the fall they should be cut to the ground. Early fall or after the first frost is the ideal time to cut back the plants. Cutting peonies in the fall helps remove foliar diseases and reduce infection next year. Simply cut all the growth off at the soil level and discard.

How to prepare peonies for winter?

Caring for Peonies in Winter Cut peonies nearly to the ground after the leaves turn yellow in fall. Be careful; however, not to remove any of the reddish or pink buds also known as “eyes,” as the eyes, found near ground level, are the beginnings of next year's stems. (Don't worry, the eyes won't freeze).

Do you cut back peonies in the fall?

The right time for peony pruning is in fall, after frost has killed leaves. How to prune peonies? Clip stems as close to the ground as possible. Gather all leaves, stems and any other plant debris.

How do you prepare peonies for the fall?

Fall

Remove the foliage any time between September and November. Cut stems down to the ground and discard foliage.
If you plan to mulch your peonies, this is a great time to do it since there is no above ground growth to damage.

What month do you cut peonies back?

Knowing when to cut back peonies in fall is key. Timing-wise, wait until a hard frost has finished off the foliage. (Where I live, that's usually around October, but some years it's November.)

What happens if you cut back peonies too early?

In the fall, cut the peonies back but wait until the foliage has died or fully yellowed after a hard frost. If you cut the peonies back too early, you reduce the time during which the foliage is absorbing sunlight to build the plant's energy reserves. This will result in reduced bloom the next year.

Should I mulch peonies for winter?

Mulching Peonies in Fall Young and newly-planted peonies will need some mulching for intensely cold winters. We recommend a layer of organic mulch like shredded bark, straw, or pine needles loosely at the base of the plant.

How do you cover peonies for frost?

We recommend placing a plastic garbage barrel over peonies for quick frost protection. For larger plants, it is necessary to use tarps or row cover supported by stakes to cover the plants.

What do you do with peony bulbs in the winter?

Plant them in a large container filled with a well-drained potting mix. Water and store in a protected spot in an unheated garage. Insulate the roots with packing peanuts or other material. Store the potted peonies until next spring.

Is October too late to move peonies?

Transplant and Divide in the Fall Mid-September to early October is the best time to transplant peonies. Begin by cutting off the peony stems near ground level. Then carefully dig around and under each plant. Try to retain as much of the root system as possible.

What happens if you don't Deadhead peonies?

The Benefits of Deadheading Peonies Regular deadheading is important because it helps flowers look their best, prevents damage to leaves, and helps plants channel their energy into producing and replenishing their bulbs.

Can you use Miracle Grow on peonies?

In addition to making he soil improvements mentioned above, give peonies the nutrition they need by feeding them with Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Rose & Bloom Plant Food for gorgeous color and more blooms vs. unfed plants.

What do you feed peonies in the fall?

Fertilize peonies twice a year — in the spring shortly before new growth appears and then again in the fall after the plants have been cut back. A total of 1.5 to 2 ounces (3 to 4 tablespoons) of a 1-1-1 fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 per plant per application should be used.

Is August too early to cut back peonies?

Cut off the stems near ground level. If the peonies experienced foliar disease problems, remove the plant debris from the area and destroy it. Plants cut back in August or early September may have fewer blooms that those cut back in fall.

When to dig up and split peonies?

September is the best time to divide peonies. By September, peony plants have been able to store adequate food reserves in their roots for the following year. Also, the replanted divisions have several weeks to get reestablished at their new sites before the onset of winter.

When should I cut my peony bulbs?

You want to cut your peony stems while they are still in bud form and before they have come out in full bloom. If you take the bud between your fingers it should feel like a soft marshmallow.

Should I cut off the dead blooms on my peonies?

Deadheading, or removing faded flowers, helps the plant save energy for next year's blooms and prevents fungal diseases. Only remove the spent blooms, and don't cut away any foliage (the plant will need those leaves to help build up flowers for next year).

Can you dig up and replant peonies?

The best time to transplant peonies is in September when they're past their summer growth and entering winter dormancy. But it's also possible to dig and plant the entire root ball in the spring before the plants start to sprout new growth for the season.

Can you start a peony from a cutting?

Making divisions step two with a sharp knife dipped in rubbing alcohol. Cut the crown into pieces

Are coffee grounds good for peonies?

However, coffee grounds should not be used on peonies. Peonies need low nitrogen fertilizer, and coffee grounds are high in nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can cause peonies to grow fewer flowers and more leaves.