What Should Tree Peonies Pay Attention To in Winter？

What Should Tree Peonies Pay Attention To in Winter？ 

 1.Cold proof and warm keeping

  Soil Cover: Covering the roots of peonies with a thick layer of organic matter such as straw, fallen leaves, or pine needles can effectively maintain soil temperature and prevent root frostbite. The thickness of the covering is generally 10-15 centimeters, and it should be gently compacted after covering to ensure insulation effect.

Windproof measures: The cold wind in winter is also a threat to peonies. Windproof barriers can be set up around tree peony flowers, such as building simple fences or using windproof nets, to reduce the direct impact of cold winds on plants.

  2.Moderate watering

  Watering timing: Although the growth activity of tree peony flowers slows down in winter, it is still necessary to maintain moderate soil moisture. When the soil surface is dry, appropriate watering should be done at noon when the temperature is high, avoiding watering in the freezing morning or evening to prevent the soil from freezing.

Watering amount: Watering should be done in moderation each time, and should not be applied in large quantities at once, nor should there be water accumulation. This is more conducive to the overwintering of plants and avoids root frostbite and decay.

  3.Reasonable pruning

  Pruning time: Winter is the dormant period of peonies, and pruning at this time is beneficial for the rejuvenation and flowering of peonies in the following year.

Pruning method: Remove diseased, weak, crossed, and overly dense branches, as well as dead branches and leaves, to promote plant health and flowering in the following year. When pruning, do not damage the flower buds, and try to preserve branches with more flower buds, thick and healthy branches.

  4.Disease and pest control

  Observation and Prevention: Although the activity of pests and diseases decreases in winter, it is still necessary to pay attention to observation. Once signs of pests and diseases are found, they should be dealt with in a timely manner.

Drug prevention and control: Winter applicable pesticides such as sulfur compounds can be used for spraying to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.

5.Avoid fertilizing

In winter, peonies are in a dormant state and do not require fertilization. Excessive fertilizer can actually disrupt the dormancy balance of plants, affecting their growth and flowering in the following year.

  6.Check the plants

  Regularly check the growth status of tree peony flowers, especially whether there are signs of frostbite on the roots and branches. If frostbite is found, the damaged part should be promptly cut off and the wound should be coated with grass ash or lime powder to prevent bacterial invasion.

  In summary, the winter maintenance of tree peonies requires comprehensive consideration of various factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind force, and corresponding protective measures should be taken. By implementing reasonable measures such as soil cover, windproof, watering, pruning, and pest control, peonies can safely survive the cold winter and lay a solid foundation for their blooming flowers in the coming year.