Peonies are long-lived perennials that reliably come back every year. The plant’s recommended growing zones should give you an idea of how tough peonies are and their ability to withstand hard frost.
If you’re new to peonies you may ask, ‘will frost hurt peony buds?’ Fortunately, it’s easy to winterize the plant as they prefer the cold. Peony buds, however, are a different matter.
How Much Frost Can Peony Buds Handle?
It’s easy to assume that flower buds prefer warmth and sunshine, but this is not the case with peonies. The cold season is essential for these plants- peonies need about 700-plus hours of ‘chill time’ to sprout buds that turn into gorgeous thick flowers come spring and early summer.
Frost is actually good for the peony plant and is part of their development cycle. As long as these plants are within the recommended USDA zones they have an almost-assured chance to return to full vigor and health when spring arrives.
As far as cold tolerance is concerned peonies can withstand temperatures of somewhere around minus 30 degrees F. Anything lower than that will likely cause damage to the buds, leaves, and stems.
These remarkable plants can typically survive short freezes of a day or two before needing some sort of intervention. You may also need to cut them back before winter comes so the plant gets maximum buds (and potential blooms).
What Temperature is Too Cold for Peony Buds?
Cold-loving peony plants can withstand up to minus 30 degrees F. Herbaceous varieties tend to be hardier than other peony species and can usually survive hard frosts and cold spells.
Remember, peonies like being frozen for a time because it’s good for their health and ability to form buds. When they don’t get enough, the plants will produce less foliage and smaller flowers. However, a temperature that’s lower than minus 30 degrees F will cause some of the buds to die.
The key to handling peony buds during winter is to check the weather daily and determine if the temperatures do not exceed the plant’s cold limit. Those living in zones 3 through 5 generally do not have anything to worry about, while gardeners in zones 6 to 8 may want to plant their peonies closer to the surface.
How to Protect Peony Buds From Frost
Here are the things you can do to protect your peony buds from frost:
Cut Back Peonies for Winter
Peonies have a habit of ‘dying back’ during late fall and just before winter arrives. The yellowed stems and dry leaves are considered normal and act as a signal that you should prune your peonies to prepare them for the cold season.
Cut back the peony’s leaves first using a pair of garden shears. Once the stems look bare, turn your attention to this part of the plant and cut them all the way back until they’re sticking out about an inch above the ground. Leave the pink buds or the ‘eyes’ that are near the surface and throw away the cut leaves and stems.
Mulch Your Peonies
The rule of thumb in preserving peony buds is to apply a few inches of shredded bark or straw if you live in zones 3 to 5. However, if you live in zones 6 to 8 then you may want to avoid mulching and focus on setting your peonies at the right planting depth instead.
Clean Up Debris
Last but not least, you can prevent plant diseases by cleaning up debris and doing some light pruning. Pick up and dispose of dead foliage, and keep your peonies’ surroundings tidy. This can be done not just in fall or spring but during winter as well.