Marianne's Response

Peony care for Winter

I have had my Peonies for years and have noticed that some of the soil on top of the peony has washed away with the rains and some tubers have rotted. I have just left them, since there are new tubers attached and they still do well, but can I add some soil to them without doing it too deep so that they won’t bloom? Also, when I cut the old foliage down, can you leave that lay on top of the Peonies for the Winter, just to protect a little? I have never done that, but just wondered. I have some Peonies that have never bloomed and have been in the ground for about 5 years and they are not planted deep, just no success. Thank you for your time and help!!

Posted by Lorene Johnson on October 20, 2022

Marianne's Response

Peonies are long lived perennials and you are correct in that if they are planted too deep they will not bloom. For this reason I would not cover the roots. I also do not recommend you leave the foliage near the roots once you cut back the foliage in the fall. The reason to cut back the foliage is to prevent old leaves from harboring disease spores. As for your 5 year old peonies that do not flower the most common causes are planted too deep, too much shade or tubers too young. Perhaps next year they will be mature enough to reward you for your patience. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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