When and How To Prune Peonies The Right Way!

People love to plant trees either in their gardens or in their nearby areas or streets. But, one common thing people deal with after planting a tree is maintaining it. Maintenance is always required while planting a tree. If you don’t maintain a tree, it will not sustain and give you the benefit you want. Do you know what comes with maintaining the plant?

The answer is after having done with the plantation part, the next and immediate process is pruning. Pruning is required for almost every plant in order to maintain its size and shape. We do pruning because when the leaves and branches of the tree or plants die or are in the worst condition, then we do this process. However, some trees require less pruning, whereas some require more.

In this article, we will be learning when and how to prune Peonies. How often is pruning required in this plant, and what are the things to keep in mind before we start pruning peonies?

The Background of Peony

Peony or Paeonia is a flowering plant which is also yet popular amongst all. It is the only plant in the family Paeoniaceae. These pretty-looking plants are found in continents like Asia, Europe and Northern America. These plants have a decent appearance in colour. The flower of this plant is pinkish in colour. The height of this plant ranges from 0.25 to 3 metres tall.

Its fragrance is sweet and addicting. These plants are mostly seen in temperate areas or regions. Basically, you will be able to see them between late spring to the early period of summer.

This plant hails from the family name Paeoniaceae and was first given by Friedrich K.L Rudolphi. The name was given in the year 1830. Paeonia is related to Glaucidium. This plant has a total of 35 species around. This plant has thick and storage roots, which help them to collect water, food and minerals. The blossom of this plant is found in violet, red and sometimes lilac colours as well. It is considered that when it is summer season, peonies grow fast. In short, summers are the best time for this plant to bloom. Peonies have six types, namely anemone, single, bomb, semi-double, Japanese and double.

This plant requires colder regions to grow, which we have discussed earlier.In the southern part of China and some parts of Tibet, a species of it called Moutan is found there. Moutan is basically a species of Peonies which is basically woody in nature. In countries like Japan, China, Korea and the rest of Southern Asia parts, this plant is used for preparing medicines as well. If we talk about its ancient history, this plant is basically used as a symbol of China. The Qing Dynasty of China, which is currently the Republic of China, has declared this plant as its national flower. It was declared in the year 1903.

Actually, this plant is planted mainly in Luoyang in ancient times and also has a cultivation centre there. Also, it has been seen that in the entire world, Luoyang grows the finest Peonies. This plant used to have exhibitions at the time as well. Peonies are often used by the people of Japan as tattoos as well as by the ancient kings and rulers of Japan.

How to Prune Peonies?

Pruning should be done only to remove the dead leaves and branches. It is done only to make the tree maintain a good shape and live in healthy condition. You will need just to cut its stem only. After cutting those dead leaves and branches, you can burn them, or else you can put them in the garbage by putting them in a plastic bag. In some cases, it is found that if the tree is overgrown, then chop the entire stem.

Also, check if there are two branches intersecting each other then you should prune the plants, as it will otherwise create shelter for insects, flies or diseases.

When Should You Prune the Peonies?

It is seen that these plants need to be pruned during the spring as it suggests the best time to prune. To prevent this plant from giving shelter to insects and flies along with catching diseases, it is always advised to keep your plant healthy and well-shaped by pruning them. Pruning can be done either by secateurs or just using bare hands. Just follow and remember the steps and guidelines before planting, and then you are good to go.

However, you should also remember that every year this plant will grow new leaves and flowers, so you will have to prune it in spring or fall season as leaves will tend to fall and branches will also tend to get try and dead. So, it is highly advised to chop them once this happens.

How and When to Plant Peony?

Well, we know each and every plant or tree is planted according to its own conditions and criteria. We will know how and when this plant needs to be planted. First, we will discuss how to plant them then, followed by when to plant them.

You will usually find that these plants are commercially sold in markets and are planted when they are 3 to 4 years old. After getting them, follow these steps to plant.

• You will need to place them in the ground, But remember, when you are planting them make sure you maintain a gap between two plants. The plants need good circulation, so a gap of some feet needs to be maintained.
• You will need to dig a hole in the well-drained soil of about 2 feet in depth. Since you will be using organic material for the plantation so this soil will get good benefits. In addition to that, and along with digging a 2 feet deep hole, remember to keep your plant in such an area where it should receive a decent amount of sunlight. 
• Make sure that you should place the root in such a way that it should be facing in the upward direction. But remember not to plant in such a depth that may cause the plant to die.
• After planting it in the soil, fill the hole back along with stamping the soil.
• At last, you need to water the plant properly. Make sure that the plant receives a good amount of water.
• Cover the plant deep when planting in the pot.

Caring For Peonies: The Right Way

After planting this beautiful plant, Now it is time for its care. Mostly we have seen that a plant takes a huge amount of time to develop, and the same is in this case also. A peony plant takes a long time to grow and develop. Below you will find the steps for caring for this plant.

1. Firstly, before planting this plant, you will have to make your soil good enough to plant.
2. Secondly, after having done the soil work, next you will have to add some fertilizer and mix it with compost. Remember that you should add a little fertilizer and not more than that.
3. Thirdly, when you are applying or about to apply fertilizer, then you should first check the soil. If the soil is not in good condition, then only you should apply fertilizer.
4. Fourthly, after being done with the third step, you will have to check the stem of the plants. Give the stem some kind of external support so that the plants can grow and the flowers can bloom.
5. Fifthly, deadheading the peonies will help the plant to grow new leaves and flowers.

So these are the steps for caring for the peonies. Make sure to follow these steps. We will discuss these in very easy words so that you should understand them very clearly.

In the case of planting them in a pot or a vase, you will need to keep in your mind some useful things. You will have to cut the stems only when they are tight and straight. You can perform this task in the morning only. You will need to wrap the flowerpot fully with a plastic bag or some kind of towel or cloth even. Then put that gently wrapped plant into the refrigerator. Do wash them with warm water after taking them out of the refrigerator.

Different Types of Peonies

1. Raspberry Sundae Peony

This is a type of Peony plant which are a mixture of pink and yellow colour with pluffed petals. This plant grows up to 36 feet tall, and this plant has got sweet fragrance. Its flowers blooms during the spring season.

2. Shirley Temple Peony

Shirley Temple Peony is another type of Peony plant which appears in light pink coloured flowers. Its sweet fragrance and low maintenance needing plant make it a worth decent plant to have in your home as well.

3. Coral Sunset Peony

This plant is yet another type of Peony which appears with orangy pink coloured flowers. It has a ball-shaped flower, which makes it more attractive to watch. This plant has a decent height of 36 feet tall which is a way big plant.

4. Coral Charm Peony

With pinkish and orange mixed colours, this plant appears to be with double blooms. Coral Charm Peony has a ball-shaped flower which blooms in the spring season as well. This plant is also having a height of 36 feet tall with 36 feet wide. Like all other plants, this plant has got a lovely and sweet fragrance too.

Final Thoughts

With this, we came to the end of this article, where we learned about the Peonies and their types. Since our prime focus was to discuss the pruning process of Peonies, it became important to learn about the plant along with its varieties.

Just follow the guidelines for pruning the plant. If you want your tree to be healthy and in beautiful shape, then you should do pruning. This article is all about pruning the peonies. We have discussed each and every step in very simple words. By following these, you can do pruning completely hassle-free.

Do tell me about your experiences while pruning your beautiful peonies!