Question about Peonies

GrannyGardner · Post by **GrannyGardner** » Jun 14, 2005 7:10 pm

I have four large peonies that are planted right against the foundation of our home. We need to do some painting on that side of the house. Now that the peonies have finished blooming can I cut them back without killing them? Thanks.

DryGulch · Post by **DryGulch** » Jun 14, 2005 9:52 pm

Around here, I have seen a lot of peonies planted out in lawns that after they bloomed people just mowed them off.

They seemed to always come back.

Personally, I think the tubers probably need the leaves for a while to store enough starch/sugar for the winter and next season's bloom.

I would leave the foliage during the painting, cover with a drop cloth (they come in 4' by 12' and other lengths and are cheap) and clip off whatever gets too ratty.

Regardless, I don't think they will die on you.

John · Post by **John** » Jun 14, 2005 10:40 pm

I agree that the foliage would be better left on the plants until it starts to die back naturally in the fall, when it should be removed. This should help ensure flowers next spring.

GrannyGardner · Post by **GrannyGardner** » Jun 15, 2005 8:28 am

Thanks for the replies. I'll just try to fit the ladder between bushes. They're enormous this year and I certainly don't want them to die from mishandling.

kHT · Post by **kHT** » Jun 15, 2005 9:05 am

Well I'm going to disagree and matter of fact I need my matoe cages so I'm going to be wacking ours back today!
I have been doing this for over 15 years now and they bloom like crazy! I need the cages which I put out every spring to support the peonies and when I cut them back I leave at least 8" of stalk.

JP01Ottawa · Post by **JP01Ottawa** » Jun 25, 2005 12:05 pm

Hello, this is my first post. I have always trim my peonies in a neat little bush after blooming and it has been doing well. You could probably do that and push the leaves away from the wall or trim only on the side of the wall and it shoud likey do well. Good luck.