Peonies are some of the most glamorous stars of the summer garden; their many varieties producing deeply colorful blooms the size of dinner plates. When you are coming up with , there are three types of peonies to choose from: herbaceous, tree and hybrid intersectional peonies. All have different pruning needs to allow them to fill your yard with color.
Once you know , either in your borders or in , you soon realise that pruning them correctly is one of the best ways of keeping the plants healthy and flowering year-on-year, so take care you don't make any of these common peony pruning mistakes. Like all plants, peonies need to be to keep them healthy and in shape. Doing so also helps to create a sturdy framework for their legendary beautiful blooms.
Here, I show you how to avoid four of the most common peony pruning mistakes to get the best results from you plants. Always make sure the tools you use are fit for the job, and are sharp and properly . Blunt tools tear plant material instead of cutting cleanly, leaving remaining stems and branches open to pests and disease.
Cutting tools that haven’t been cleaned can transfer diseases from plant to plant via blades still dirty with old sap and debris. Sharp, clean secateurs and pruners are ideal for pruning herbaceous peonies in the fall. This is the perfect thing for keeping your shears in top condition.
More sturdy loppers, like these best-selling , or a pruning saw like this top pick may be used for cutting back tree peonies.
