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Can I prune my Tree Peony now?

Charlotte 987Charlotte 987 Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Hi all - I'm a novice gardener who has inherited a very mature tree peony; I think its 13 years old.  This year in particular it has grown HUGE and clearly needs pruning.  Its blocking light to other plants between it and the neighbouring Buddleia and Skimmia as well as looking very heavy so I think I need to take action!

Can I prune the longer, heavier older wood now?  I know you're supposed to do it before spring or late autumn but I think I need to do something now.

Thanks  :)

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I would wait until October.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It is best wait till leaf fall and then you can remove the older wood down to the base to renew the plant as well as reduce its size.   

    This is what the RHS says - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=711 

    Tree peonies are magnificent so it's a shame to cut it back hard.  May be a good idea to move some of the smaller plants it is shading to give them more light, air and water in a new place in the garden.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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