Photo: Ulf Eliasson, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Chinese peony: when and how to prune
Paeonia lactiflora
Chinese peony is best pruned in June and October.
| Pruning months | June and October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–June |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Chinese peony: when to prune it?
Faded flowers in June; the foliage in October, once it has coloured.
Chinese peony: how to prune it?
- Cut off faded flowers down to the first leaf, unless you want seed: this saves energy for the roots.
- Leave the foliage all summer: it feeds the roots for next year’s flowers.
- In October, cut all stems back to just above the ground and clear away the leaves, to prevent grey mould.
- On single-flowered varieties, you can let a few seed pods ripen: they are decorative in autumn.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and October. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Put leaves with grey mould in the household waste, not on the compost heap.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Chinese peony · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.