Tree peonies are naturally gorgeous, bushy plants that put on a spectacular floral show every spring. While they’re pretty low-maintenance, a little strategic pruning can really help them look their best. In some cases, a “tough love” approach with a heavy prune is actually the secret to keeping your peony healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Generally, No Pruning is Required
Tree peonies are known for their impressive, sturdy growth. Depending on the variety, these beauties can reach heights of up to 15 feet! If you’ve picked the perfect spot for your plant, you really don’t *have* to prune it regularly to keep it happy.
Reasons to Reach for the Shears
Even though they’re independent, there are a few scenarios where a haircut is a good idea—or even a lifesaver. You might want to prune to:
- Maintain a specific shape or size.
- Rejuvenate an older, leggy plant with a radical cut.
- Stop pests or diseases in their tracks.
Keeping Your Tree Peonies in Shape
A light “tidy-up” prune involves removing old, dried-out wood and any stray branches that are messing with the plant’s silhouette. This is your chance to be the stylist! You can guide the natural growth habit to fit your garden’s look and keep the height exactly where you want it.
Pro tip: A light pruning in the fall encourages the plant to push out fresh new shoots and creates a denser, bushier look the following season.
The Radical Rejuvenation Cut
If you have an older tree peony that’s looking a bit “bare at the knees” or isn’t blooming like it used to, it might be time for a reset. Don’t be afraid to be bold! You can cut the entire plant back to about 12 to 15 inches above the ground. It might feel scary to take off that much, but tree peonies are surprisingly resilient. They handle radical pruning well and will reward your bravery with a flush of vigorous new growth over the next few years.
Dealing with Pests and Disease
If you spot signs of trouble, pruning is your first line of defense. Depending on how bad the infestation or infection is, you should cut back the affected areas—ranging from a light trim to a heavy cut. Make sure to remove all diseased plant parts and get them out of the garden to prevent the problem from spreading.
Tree Peonies as Cut Flowers
Want to bring those stunning blooms inside? Tree peonies make incredible cut flowers. To keep them fresh, strip the lower leaves off the stems so they aren’t sitting in the water. Also, give the stems a fresh diagonal snip every two days. This helps them drink up plenty of water so those big, beautiful blossoms last as long as possible.
