AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.
Experience I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.
Question How far back should you prune and what season?
Answer Hi Brad,
Thanx for your question. After the tree peony is several years old and has many branches, you may find that you need to prune out extra growth in the interior of the bush. Select 6 to 10 of the strongest branches as the major stems of the plant. This will allow the peony to concentrate its strength on flowering in its main branches, rather than excessive leaf growth. It will also eliminate chances for fungus to grow, allowing more light and air to circulate in the plant. If you prefer to see the wood of the tree peony at the base, you can prune out leaf buds low to the ground. This is a Chinese style of shaping. The natural habit for most Chinese tree peonies is a very dense, spreading, rounded form, though some varieties, like White Screen Reflects a Blue Jewel, Phoenix White and Lotus that Shines in the Sun are naturally tall and woody at their base. Prune in the early spring before the last frost.
