Can I Resurrect A Peony

Question

I got some bad information, and immediately after following through, knew it was a bad move. I pruned my father in law’s grandmother’s peony. 5 generation and I killed it. Maybe, probably. It was terribly infested with bugs ants wasps. It was becoming a problem for my small child. I tried everything to rid them. So I asked a friend who is the best flower gardener I know… ending that I pruned the entire plant to the ground like I would have come spring for the new growth. She assured me Watering it would grow new leaves. 2 weeks now and it’s starting to look really dry and cracked stalks. They are about 4 inches tall. What do I do. Is there anything to do to have a chance at next year growth?

Answer 1

You did the right thing. When infested with bugs or disease, it's best just to prune the plant to the ground. What you did shouldn't have killed it. Even if new leaves don't grow back now, they should in spring.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/peony/peony-pruning.htm