It is necessary to cut out dry and damaged shoots, including the frozen tops of the bush. In addition, you need to remove some of the non-living tissue, up to the green cut and leave a gap from the cut to a living bud. But if frozen buds were noticed on the peony bushes after wintering, there is no need to rush to prune.
When to prune a peony?
The optimal time for most regions is late October or early November. You can even wait for the first autumn frosts at night. Stems with dried flowers should not be cut off completely, but leaving 2-3 leaves on the buds.
How to cut a peony?
It is best to cut the flower no more than 40 centimeters in length. But if your peony bush is stunted, then focus on the leaves – at least three leaves should remain on the stem below. It is best to cut off an inflorescence that has just begun to bloom or even completely closed buds.
When should peonies be pruned after flowering?
In order for peonies to be able to delight you with beautiful and lush flowers next year, you do not need to cut off the flower stalks with faded buds. You need to leave the lower part with 2-3 leaves. Peonies can be cut to the root only in the fall, after the onset of stable frosts.