They inevitably come into view when they are in bloom. Later they were forgotten, the peonies, because their foliage did not attract much attention. But when do you cut cut flowers for the vase? Is annual pruning necessary and when?
When should you cut peonies?
Peonies should have old flowers removed after flowering, cut in September to obtain seeds and cut back to just above the ground in autumn when the foliage is yellow. Shrub peonies do not require annual pruning.
Cutting can be useful 3 times
Don't make the mistake of cutting down your peony radically after it has bloomed! The roots still collect nutrients from the leaves. This lasts until about September. Only when the foliage has turned yellow should a perennial peony be cut down to just above the ground. This pruning is necessary every year (exception: shrub peonies).
Cutting can also make sense:
- immediately after flowering: remove old flowers
- in September to obtain the follicles/seeds
- Cut flowers: when the buds are plump and the flower color is visible
Tip
Sick parts of the plant should also be cut off as soon as they appear to you!