Will It Hurt to Cut My Peonies?

Stems of garden peonies die in the fall.

Herbaceous peonies, or Paeonia lactiflora, are common garden peonies. Tree peonies, or P. suffruticosa, are woody-stemmed shrubs that grow taller than herbaceous peonies. Stems of herbaceous peonies die in the fall; tree peony stems remain alive.

Garden Peonies

In fall, when they are dried and particularly when they are diseased, cut stems of herbaceous peonies to the ground, according to Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Discard stems; do not use as compost.

Tree Peonies

Both tree and garden peonies have large blooms.

Never cut tree peonies back, unless a stem is diseased, warns Cornell Cooperative Extension. Tree ponies do not grow back if cut down, because the next year's growth begins from buds on the current year's wood. Destroy foliage to prevent spreading disease.

Dividing Plants

Divide herbaceous peonies when fewer flowers form. Dig out roots carefully. Wash away soil to locate the eyes or buds. Divide the clump into sections using a clean, sharp tool. Sections should have three to five eyes attached to three or four thick roots. Divide tree peonies when several branches with roots appear off the main root system. Replant peonies right away.

Cutting for Arrangements

Cut peonies for arrangements when they are soft buds and feel like soft marshmallows, but, leave three or more leaves on the stem with the plant, advises Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Recut the stems at an angle under warm water and remove leaves covered by water in the vase. Flowers usually open after one day.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Peonies for the Home Garden
• Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County: The Culture of Herbaceous and Tree Peonies
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Peonies

Resources

• University of Minnesota Extension: Diseases of Peony