Caring for peonies in the fall is important to keep these beautiful perennials in good condition and to ensure that they last a long time. Long-lived and reliable, peonies are prized for their gorgeous blooms and seasonal beauty. Although easy to care for, they do require special attention. This is especially true when temperatures begin to drop. So, how do you care for peonies in the fall?
Pruning
Caring for peonies in the fall begins when the cooler weather sets in. By this time, the plant’s foliage is likely to have already begun to deteriorate. Yellow or spotted leaves are especially unattractive and often indicate disease. By the first frost, the plant’s foliage will likely have died back completely. After this, all foliage can be cut back to ground level. Any debris should be removed from the garden and disposed of to prevent the possibility of disease the following season.
Fertilizer
Peonies can be fertilized early in the season, before flowers appear. Plants will also benefit from feeding in the fall. Feeding peonies with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer to encourage root development before winter sets in is preferable. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers for best results.
Fall Care for New Peonies
Newly planted peonies require different care in the fall than established plants:
Fall is the ideal time to plant peony tubers and divided roots. Planting in the fall will allow for a longer period of establishment before new growth begins in the spring. Peony roots should be planted in well-cultivated beds with each growing eye pointing upward. Avoid planting too deeply as this may adversely affect the peony's ability to flower.
Watering
After planting, water each new peony root thoroughly. This will help settle the soil and also encourage growth.
Mulching
After planting, you can apply a light mulch over the top of the new peony beds. Mulch will help protect the roots from the cold, but it will also prevent heaving, which occurs when plants rise out of the soil due to seasonal temperature fluctuations, such as freeze-thaw cycles. All mulch should be removed in the spring, before new growth begins to emerge from the soil.
Source: Gardening Know How
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