peony plants

Question

I live in the most nothern coast of the Pacific Northwest aand I am wondering if I should cut back my peony plants and if so how much to leave when cut back. Thank You

Answer 1

Peonies send up new shoots from the ground, not from last year's growth. If the leaves now longer look good, go ahead and cut it down. I leave one or two inches of stem to mark where the plant is located. If the stems have botrytis spots, remove all infected parts. Clean the area well so disease doesn't overwinter in plant debris.