Peony, known as the "Queen of Flowers," is loved by flower enthusiasts for its beautiful blooms and elegant posture. As winter approaches, how to help potted peonies survive the cold season becomes a concern for many. This article will introduce you to the methods of overwintering potted peonies, helping your beloved flowers to endure the cold winter.
Choose suitable peony varieties for potted plantsWhen purchasing potted peonies, you should choose varieties that are more cold-tolerant, such as 'Fenyulou' and 'Baiyutang,' which can maintain good growth even in low temperatures.
Reasonable pruningIn winter, you should prune potted peonies appropriately, removing withered and yellow leaves and sickly branches to reduce nutrient consumption and improve the plant's cold resistance. After pruning, apply wood ash to the wounds with scissors to prevent the invasion of pathogens.
Control wateringIn winter, the water requirement of potted peonies decreases, and watering should be strictly controlled. Generally, keeping the soil slightly moist is sufficient. Overwatering can lead to root rot and affect plant growth. You can observe the soil surface, and water when the soil is dry.
Adjust lightingIn winter, the duration of sunlight is shorter, so potted peonies should be placed in a sunny location to ensure normal growth. In case of continuous cloudy and rainy weather, you can adjust the placement position to prevent the plants from becoming spindly.
Cover for insulationTo prevent potted peonies from frost damage in winter, you can cover their surroundings with a layer of straw, plastic film, or other insulating materials to maintain an indoor temperature above 5℃, which helps the plants overwinter safely.
Strengthen pest and disease controlIn winter, potted peonies are susceptible to pest and disease attacks. You should check the plants regularly and deal with any issues promptly. Low-toxicity and low-residue pesticides can be used for prevention and control, such as carbendazim and dimethoate.
Fertilize timelyIn winter, the growth rate of potted peonies is slower but they still require some nutrients. A small amount of compound fertilizer can be applied in winter to meet the plant's growth needs. After fertilizing, make sure to keep the soil moist.
Overwintering potted peonies is not difficult as long as you master the correct care methods. This will allow your beloved flowers to survive the cold winter and continue to bloom beautifully. We hope this article is helpful to you and wish you a smooth overwintering for your potted peonies!