I’ve been growing peonies for years, and I gotta say, figuring out how to care for them in the fall took a bit of trial and error. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s what I did this year.
Getting Started
First things first, I waited until the leaves started to turn yellow and brown. That’s usually a good sign that the plants are going dormant. Then, I grabbed my trusty garden shears.
Cutting Back the Foliage
I started by cutting back all the foliage to about 2-3 inches above the ground. I made sure to use clean shears to avoid spreading any diseases. It felt a little brutal chopping them down, but it’s important for their health.
Cleaning Up
After cutting, I gathered up all the leaves and stems and got rid of them. I didn’t compost these because I didn’t want to risk spreading any fungal diseases that might be lurking.
Mulching (or Not)
Now, I know some folks like to mulch their peonies in the fall, but I actually don’t in my area. We get some pretty harsh winters, and I’ve found that mulching can sometimes trap moisture and lead to crown rot. But if you live in a milder climate, a light layer of mulch might be okay.
Dividing and Transplanting
- Fall is also the best time to divide and transplant peonies if you need to.
- I had a couple of clumps that were getting a bit crowded, so I carefully dug them up.
- I used a sharp spade to separate the roots, making sure each division had at least 3-5 “eyes” (those little reddish buds).
- Then, I replanted them in a new spot with well-drained soil and plenty of sun.
Just Waiting
And that’s pretty much it! After that, I just left them alone for the winter. Peonies are pretty tough cookies, so they don’t need much fussing over during the cold months. Just a little patience, and come spring, I was rewarded with another year of beautiful blooms!
