Tree peonies are unmatched in beauty, showcasing vibrant blooms that create a breathtaking display each early summer. It's no wonder that so many gardening enthusiasts, including the iconic Martha Stewart, are drawn to them. Recently, she shared her insights on tree peonies, which come with a vital gardening lesson.
'These are some of the many tree peonies blooming in my garden right now. They are truly stunning flowers with unique attributes. Remember, never prune a tree peony plant!' she advises.
Understanding the right time to plant peonies is crucial for a successful garden. However, the topic of pruning can be more complicated. Martha's guidance is clear: avoid pruning unless absolutely necessary. But are there any exceptions? Garden expert Drew Swainston weighs in on the matter.
According to Drew, tree peonies do require minimal pruning, particularly when they become well-established. 'Occasionally, a tree peony might outgrow its space and accumulate plenty of unproductive older wood. If that occurs, prune in the spring before they begin to grow actively, since pruning later can result in bleeding and weaken the plant.'
Drew Swainston is passionate about walled gardens and has always enjoyed propagating, nurturing, and harvesting edibles while producing cut flowers throughout the year. He has been a member of the Garden Media Guild and has also maintained a blog called Perennial Nerd, where he shares his experiences in managing walled gardens, exploring various gardens, and home projects.
While Drew aligns with Martha's philosophy, he also notes the potential downsides of pruning. 'Any pruning of a tree peony can lead to a loss of blooms for that year,' he explains. 'Aside from that rare regenerative pruning, most years, a tree peony requires little more than deadheading and removing any dead shoots.'
The experts from the RHS echo this advice. When discussing the care of peonies throughout the year, they state that tree peonies may need pruning, with a few exceptions. They recommend, 'Remove flowered shoots by cutting them just above the new growth on the stem in summer or in the autumn after collecting seeds, if desired.' Additionally, any dead shoots should be removed in late winter, cutting back to a healthy bud.
The RHS further adds that tree peonies typically produce more vigorous, upright stems. Therefore, to control their size in spring, it's beneficial to remove some of the oldest stems at ground level during fall.
This timeless flower has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. With Martha Stewart's endorsement, we can expect to see tree peonies captivating gardens for many more seasons. Join the trend of tree peony enthusiasts and explore these beautiful blooms available at Lowe's below.
Peony Perennial Plant | $12.50 at Lowe's
Taking inspiration from Martha Stewart, we're excited to invest in a pastel-hued peony plant similar to those gracing her Bedford estate. Caring for this peony is straightforward, especially when approached with the right methods.
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