skip to main content

Can I cut down the foilage?

18 years ago

My peonies are looking pretty beaten up by now and I wondered if I can cut some of it back now or do I need to leave it alone and let die back on it's own? Also the leaves look like something has been dining on it. There are dark spots on what is left of the leaves and I'm not sure how to handle the whole thing, I need some serious help with this poor plant. Thanks in advance for any help.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

anitamo
18 years ago
I always wait until the leaves are pretty tattered. Before they get that way, they add to the fall garden with the changing colors. But if yours are bad now, go ahead and cut them back. Don't compost them, trash them. The leaves may hold a fungus/disease that could spread.
blueheron
18 years ago
I usually leave my peony foliage until October if I can, but this year they are looking pretty bad so I'm going to cut them back in a few days.
Related Professionals
Windham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Anderson Landscape Contractors · Canby Landscape Contractors · Conroe Landscape Contractors · Dallas Landscape Contractors · Fort Payne Landscape Contractors · Porterville Landscape Contractors · Post Falls Landscape Contractors · Forest Hill Landscape Contractors · Hayward Solar Energy Systems · Lakeville Solar Energy Systems · Los Alamitos General Contractors · Merrimack General Contractors · Milford General Contractors · Saginaw General Contractors
DianeKaryl
18 years ago
If the volume of leaves are beginning to deteriorate, go ahead cut them back.
They will eventually just go to mush which has to be cleaned up if you wish to avoid pests making nests there and disease organisms from overwintering there.

Related Stories

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS Your Space Can Help You Get Down to Work. Here's How

By Laura Gaskill

Feed your creativity and reduce distractions with the right work surfaces, the right chair, and a good balance of sights and sounds

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

LIVING ROOMS Ideabook 911: How Can I Make My Living Room Seem Bigger?

By Becky Harris

10 Ways to Make a Small Space Live Large

REMODELING GUIDES Ask an Architect: How Can I Carve Out a New Room Without Adding On?

When it comes to creating extra room, a mezzanine or loft level can be your best friend

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Laser-Cut Focus: The Future of Design Is Here

By Jess McBride

Discover how this laser technology can make almost any pattern a reality

HOME OFFICES Quiet, Please! How to Cut Noise Pollution at Home

By Christine Ciarmello

Leaf blowers, trucks or noisy neighbors driving you berserk? These sound-reduction strategies can help you hush things up

DIY PROJECTS Cutting Corners: Miters Spruce Up Woodworking Projects

These basic woodworking cuts add another dimension to simple corners

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Ecofriendly Gardening Ideas That Also Cut Chore Time

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spend less time weeding, less money watering and more moments just sitting back and enjoying your healthy garden

DIY PROJECTS How to Make a Top-Down, Bottom-Up Window Shade

Block light and control privacy high or low with a no-frills magnetic covering you can whip up for less than $30

Sponsored

More Discussions

Iris has invaded my peony

1

Buying bare root Itoh peonies in spring?

6