If you don't reach for the scissors, you have to expect that the tree peony will only bloom sparsely. Therefore, a regular cut as care is urgently recommended. But how do you go about doing this? How much should you cut off and when?

The tree peony rarely needs pruning

Slow but spreading growth - frequent cutting unnecessary

Since the tree peony grows extremely slowly compared to other plants, it rarely needs pruning. But if you don't cut them, after a few years you will see that this plant is quite wide. It can grow up to 150 cm wide. It is therefore considered to be spreading and growing. The tree peony can grow just as high.

Cut back in early fall or spring

A slight pruning can be done between August and September or alternatively in spring from February. It is important that pruning, if done in the fall, is not done after mid-October. That's too late. The cuts can no longer heal properly. As a result, they suffer frost damage in winter.

Start directly over a bud

When pruning in autumn or spring, it is best to use sharp pruning shears. Cut the shoots just above a closed bud! The intensity of the pruning depends on your wishes:

  • Do you want to create/maintain a hedge?
  • Do you want to raise the tree peony as a shrub or as a tree?
  • Should the growth be kept low and compact?

Remove old flowers or wait for seeds to form?

After the flowering period, which usually takes place between April and June, the old flowers can be cut off. This protects the strength of the tree peony. If, on the other hand, you want the seeds for propagation, you should leave the flowers and wait until September.

Taper - cut down to 30 to 40 cm

It's been many years since the tree peony was planted? Now she's starting to look old and light? Then a strong pruning should now be made. Simply cut it down to 30 to 40 cm in the process of taper.

tips

The flowers of the tree peony are excellent for pruning. They will keep for up to 10 days in a vase of water.

Category:

Vegetable garden