Japanese peonies are sometimes considered sensitive. Therefore, one should not pull out the scissors and go to work without background knowledge. How to cut them correctly, read in detail below!

Japanese peonies don't actually need pruning

Do not cut down completely in autumn

As a rule, when Japanese peonies are mentioned, they are so-called tree peonies, also known as shrub peonies. Such peonies last for several years and nowadays they are usually grafted. In contrast to the perennial peonies, these specimens are not completely cut down in autumn.

Sometimes a cut is necessary

Shrub peonies like the Japanese peony do not need pruning. However, over time, scissors should be used from time to time. So you should remove too old, weak, lazy flowering, crossing shoots. The best time for this is in the spring before they sprout. Alternatively, the cleaning cut can be done in autumn.

But the scissors should not only be used to remove unwanted shoots. Wilted flowers should also be cut off to protect the plant. Otherwise, seed formation costs her a lot of energy.

If necessary: In autumn, only cut back to the bud

If you think your Japanese peony could use a pruning to get back into shape, you can easily prune it back. The growth can thus be stopped and a compact form is promoted.

In autumn, take a pair of sharp pruning shears and cut back the shoots to the first bud. That is enough! When you cut off the buds, you also remove the blooms for the next season!

More reasons why a cut may be in order

Even then, a cut makes sense:

  • for obtaining cuttings for propagation
  • to remove frozen shoots
  • to remove diseased plant parts

tips

Since these plants are prone to gray mold, you should clean the cutting tool well after each use to avoid disease transmission!

Category:

Vegetable garden