How to Cut Peony Stems
- 1). Prune peonies through the growing season to keep them neat and tidy. Pull off old blossoms before they go to seed and cut off dead foliage and damaged wood. Good summertime maintenance makes for healthier plants and easier fall cleanup.
- 2). Cut peony stems after you've had one to two hard frost. Remove all wasted flowers and cut the bushes down by half to make your task more manageable. When you can reach the base of the plant, cut of all the stems to within 3 to 4 inches of soil level.
- 3). Spread 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch over the peony stems and surrounding ground. The mulch will protect the stems through the winter, so replenish this layer as it breaks down.