How to prune the peony flowers when they are withered
When the elegant and luxurious flowers of the peony gradually wither, flower friends often fall into a period of confusion in maintenance. Scientific post-anthesis pruning not only maintains the beauty of the plant, but is also the key to promoting flowering in the coming year. This article will systematically explain the key points of pruning after peony blossoms have withered from three dimensions to help you create healthy and lush peony plants. 1. Basic pruning operation guide 1.1 Cutting techniques for residual flowers Within 7 days after the flower withering is the golden pruning period. The base of the entire flower stalk needs to be chamfered 3 centimeters upward. Special attention should be paid to removing the withered receptacle together with it to avoid residual tissue causing mold infection. Use alcohol-disinfected gardening scissors during operation, and maintain a 45° slope on the incision to facilitate drainage. 1.2 The treatment plan for sick and weak branches focuses on checking the intersections of branches and the back of leaves. When brown patches or mildew are found, they need to be pruned down to 5 cm of healthy parts. Spray difenoconazole diluent immediately after pruning and treat it once a week for 3 consecutive weeks to establish a long-term protective mechanism. 2. Advanced maintenance strategies 2.1 Nutrient branch management selectively prunes unflowering blind branches, retaining 2-3 bud points at the base. Simultaneously cut excessively dense branches to ensure ventilation and light transmission in the central area of the plant. After pruning, topcoat phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (N-P-K=5-10-10), and the amount per plant should not exceed 50 grams. 2.2 The plant type optimization technique adopts the "three-pronged and nine-tops" pruning method: the main branch retains 3 main branches, and each branch cultivates 3 flowering flowers. Topping the long branches to control the plant height within the range of 80-120cm to promote the differentiation of lateral buds. 3. The year-round maintenance system is constructed and pruned, and covered with 5cm thick decomposed pine needles immediately after being trimmed, and the drip irrigation system is used to keep the substrate moist. Conduct sizing and pruning before winter to remove 1/3 of the length of the current year's twigs. It is recommended to establish a pruning file to record the time, location and plant response of each pruning to form a personalized maintenance plan.
Through systematic pruning management, peony plants can maintain strong flowering ability for more than 15 years. Keep in mind the principle of "timely, precise and moderate" pruning and cooperate with scientific maintenance to make your peony bloom year after year.