Spring is here, everything is full of life, and your tree peonies may be starting to bloom. But don’t worry, if you want your tree peonies to have more colourful flowers this year, you must trim them in the spring. Now, let me, a flower grower with lots of experience, teach you a few tricks to ensure your tree peonies are big, colourful, and stunning.
1.Why prune tree peonies?
You might think that tree peonies are born looking like this, but that’s not true. Pruning is like giving peonies a “haircut”. This makes them look more energetic. It also has the following benefits: It helps peonies bloom. When you cut off extra branches, the plant focuses its nutrients on the flower buds. This leads to bigger and more colourful flowers. It improves ventilation. Dense branches are prone to diseases, so pruning them will help peonies grow healthily. You can also control the shape of the plant by cutting it into various shapes according to your preferences to create your own “tree peony bonsai.”
2. When should you prune tree peonies?
The best time to prune is before they sprout in the spring. Sprouting happens from the end of February to the beginning of March. At this time, the trees are not yet “strong,” so pruning will have the least impact on them.
3. How to prune?
1>. Tools you will need: a pair of sharp pruning shears, remember to sterilize with alcohol to prevent infection of germs.
2>. Pruning steps:
Remove dead branches and leaves: Cut off all the dead, diseased and weak branches left over from last year, don’t be distressed, these are “burdens”.
Thinning out overly dense branches: overly dense branches can hinder air circulation and sunlight, so remove 3 to 5 strong main branches and the rest. Shorten long branches: long branches can affect flowering, so remove 20 to 30 centimeters and make the cuts smooth. Prune weak flower buds: keep 1 to 2 full flower buds per branch and remove the rest to ensure the quality of flowering.
3>. Caution:
Prune moderately: do not cut too hard, as this will affect flowering. Smooth cuts: cut diagonally at an angle of 45 degrees to avoid waterlogging and rotting. Fertilize after pruning: replenish nutrients to promote the sprouting of new branches.
4. After pruning, take care of your plant.
Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not too wet.
Fertilizer: Use thin liquid fertilizer every other week.
Pest control: Watch your plant and control any pests or diseases that you see.
5. Tips
You can spread the branches you cut by using cuttings. This makes a peony garden easy. Different types of tree peonies need to be pruned a little differently. It’s best to adjust them based on the situation. That’s all I have to say about pruning tree peonies in the spring. Use your pruning shears to give your peony a “haircut,” and I believe it will reward you with the most beautiful flowers this year.
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