cut back itoh peony - Ask Extension
Dear expert,
I was planning to cut back my itoh peony this weekend and found several buds on the stems. Please see circled on the picture. Should I...
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cut back itoh peony #889240
Asked November 02, 2024, 4:59 PM EDT
Dear expert,
I was planning to cut back my itoh peony this weekend and found several buds on the stems. Please see circled on the picture. Should I cut it above the bud which could be up to 8 inches above the ground?
Thank you!
Betty
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Yours is an interesting question.
Upon investigating I found information saying that Itoh peonies are generally cut back to 4-5" in the fall, but apparently there are some varieties that form side buds on stems which you can cut above to save future flowers.
However, that info was from further south and we are not sure it would apply in our cold winters.
Closer to home, this page from Penn State doesn't mention that.
https://extension.psu.edu/the-beloved-peony
You can experiment and leave the buds intact, andmaybe let us know what happens.
Christine
Upon investigating I found information saying that Itoh peonies are generally cut back to 4-5" in the fall, but apparently there are some varieties that form side buds on stems which you can cut above to save future flowers.
However, that info was from further south and we are not sure it would apply in our cold winters.
Closer to home, this page from Penn State doesn't mention that.
https://extension.psu.edu/the-beloved-peony
You can experiment and leave the buds intact, andmaybe let us know what happens.
Christine
