All exotic species would not survive the winter in this country. What about the peony, which with its voluminous flowers also seems to have come from the tropics? Does it tolerate frost?

The peony is very hardy

Peonies are hardy

Both the perennial peonies and the majority of the shrub peonies are hardy in our Central European latitudes. They tolerate frost down to -15 °C without any problems. If the temperatures continue to drop, things can slowly get tight and winter protection is recommended.

Cut back before winter

Before winter sets in, you should prepare your peonies for the frosty time. This includes cutting:

  • cut in October/November
  • Cut perennial peonies down completely
  • Pruning the shrub peonies if necessary (up to the first bud)

Suitable protective material for peonies

Peonies that have only recently been planted should be sheltered during the winter. Even those who are in rough locations. The following materials (in the root area) are suitable for protecting plants from severe frost:

  • brushwood
  • fir branches
  • spruce branches
  • leaves

Additional protection for shrub peonies

Shrub peonies should also be tied together in the crown area when they are large. This prevents the shoots from breaking due to a snow load. The shoots can also be covered with a jute bag (€10.99).

Peonies in tubs get through the winter time unscathed

If you have planted your peony in a bucket, it also makes sense to protect the plant in winter. Otherwise there is a risk that the roots will freeze and the plant will die.

In late autumn, the bucket is placed against a protective house wall such as the balcony wall or a wall. The plant is covered with brushwood above the root area. In severe frost, the entire bucket should be covered with fleece or jute.

Remove winter protection in good time

What many gardeners don't think about: In the spring, the winter protection should be removed quickly. This should be done before the peony sprout. Otherwise, the bloom may not come up or the peony may not sprout at all due to the thick protective layer through which it would first have to fight.

tips

In particularly harsh winter times with temperatures around and below -20 °C, shoots of shrub peonies can freeze back. You should cut them back in the spring.

Category:

Vegetable garden