Peonies are often described as low-maintenance plants, and compared to many garden flowers, they truly are. However, understanding what care to provide in each season makes the difference between peonies that merely survive and those that thrive magnificently for decades. This month-by-month guide, tailored for Australian conditions, will help you provide exactly what your peonies need throughout the year.
Autumn (March - May)
Autumn marks the transition from active growth to dormancy. As temperatures cool, your peonies begin preparing for their winter rest, and there are several important tasks to complete during this period.
March: Post-Summer Recovery
Early autumn is a time of recovery. If summer was particularly hot or dry, your peonies may show signs of stress with yellowing or browning leaves. This is normal and not cause for concern, as the plant is naturally beginning its dormancy process.
- Continue watering if autumn is dry, but reduce frequency
- Avoid fertilising; feeding now would stimulate late growth
- Leave foliage intact; it continues photosynthesising and storing energy
- Begin preparing new planting sites for bare-root arrivals
April - May: Pre-Dormancy Care
As temperatures drop further, foliage begins dying back naturally. This is the time for some of the most important maintenance of the year.
Autumn Cleanup
Wait until foliage has completely died back (turned brown and collapsed) before cutting it down. This typically occurs after the first frosts. Cut stems to 5cm above ground level and remove all debris from around the plants.
- Remove dead foliage once fully brown; don't leave it to overwinter
- Clear fallen leaves and debris from around crowns
- Apply a thin layer of well-rotted compost around plants
- Plant new bare-root peonies as they arrive (late autumn is ideal)
- Take note of any plants that underperformed for possible relocation
Winter (June - August)
Winter is the quietest time in the peony garden, but it's not a time for complete neglect. The cold dormancy period is essential for peonies, allowing proper vernalisation that triggers spring flowering.
June - July: Deep Dormancy
Your peonies are now fully dormant, with nothing visible above ground. Underground, however, root growth continues even in cold soil, which is why this is the prime planting window for new additions.
- Plant bare-root peonies; this is the optimal time
- Ensure planted tubers don't wash out in heavy winter rains
- Check that mulch hasn't piled up over crowns
- Plan garden changes and order new varieties for next season
Mulch Matters
Keep mulch 5-10cm away from peony crowns. Mulch piled against the crown traps moisture and can cause rot, while also insulating the crown from the cold it needs for vernalisation.
August: Pre-Spring Preparation
Late winter is the time to prepare for the burst of spring growth ahead.
- Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser around plants (not touching crowns)
- Wood ash can be applied for potassium if available
- Top up mulch if it has decomposed, keeping clear of crowns
- Install or repair plant supports before new growth emerges
- Final opportunity to plant or transplant before growth begins
Spring (September - November)
Spring is the spectacular payoff for a year of care. Peonies burst into growth, develop buds, and produce their magnificent blooms. It's also when problems can develop quickly, so vigilance is important.
September: New Growth Emerges
Watch for the first red shoots pushing through the soil, typically when soil temperatures reach around 10°C. These shoots are surprisingly cold-tolerant but still deserve attention.
- Watch for emerging shoots; mark plant locations if needed
- Apply a side-dressing of complete fertiliser if not done in late winter
- Begin regular inspection for pest and disease signs
- Ensure supports are in place before stems grow through them
Late Frost Protection
Early shoots are frost-tolerant, but emerging buds are more vulnerable. If a hard frost is forecast after buds have formed, cover plants with frost cloth overnight or use inverted buckets over smaller plants.
October: Rapid Growth and Bud Development
This is when peonies grow most rapidly, sometimes seemingly overnight. Stems elongate, foliage expands, and buds develop at stem tips.
- Water consistently; peonies need moisture now for bud development
- Guide stems into support structures before they become too tall
- Watch for botrytis on buds (grey fuzzy mould); remove affected parts immediately
- Begin regular checks for pests like aphids and thrips
- Side dress with potassium if plants seem weak or stems are floppy
November: Bloom Season
The moment you've been waiting for! Peak bloom in most Australian regions occurs in late October through November, depending on variety and location.
- Enjoy the blooms! Cut flowers for indoors (see our cutting guide)
- Remove spent flowers promptly (deadheading)
- Continue watering if weather is dry
- Photograph your plants to document variety performance
- Note which varieties performed well for future reference
Deadheading Tip
When removing spent blooms, cut back to just above the first set of leaves on the stem. Don't cut all the way to the ground; the remaining leaves continue photosynthesising and building next year's flowers.
Summer (December - February)
After the excitement of bloom season, summer is about maintaining plant health while peonies complete their above-ground growth cycle. The foliage works hard through summer, producing and storing energy for next year's blooms.
December - January: Post-Bloom Care
With blooms finished, attention shifts to maintaining healthy foliage. The leaves may not be showy, but they're performing vital work.
- Keep plants watered during dry periods; consistent moisture is important
- Do not fertilise; feeding after bloom promotes fungal disease
- Remove any diseased or damaged foliage as it appears
- Maintain mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture
- Consider afternoon shade for peonies in hot climates
February: Late Summer Transition
As summer wanes, peonies begin their gradual transition toward dormancy. Some leaf yellowing is normal and expected.
- Reduce watering slightly as temperatures begin to moderate
- Begin planning autumn tasks and new plantings
- Order new varieties now before they sell out
- Evaluate your collection and plan any changes
Special Considerations by Region
While this calendar provides general guidance, adjust timings based on your specific location:
- Tasmania and Alpine Victoria: Spring activities begin 2-4 weeks later; autumn cleanup 2-4 weeks earlier
- Coastal areas: Milder conditions mean less extreme timing adjustments needed
- Inland regions: Hot summers may require more attention to watering and afternoon shade
- Marginal climates: Focus on variety selection and microclimate management
Record Keeping for Success
The most successful peony growers maintain records of their plants' performance. Consider tracking:
- First emergence date each spring
- First bloom and peak bloom dates
- Number of blooms per plant
- Any pest or disease problems
- Weather events that affected plants
- Care activities and their timing
Over time, this information helps you fine-tune your care schedule and identify varieties that perform best in your specific conditions.
By following this seasonal care calendar and adjusting for your local conditions, you'll provide your peonies with everything they need to thrive. The result will be healthy, vigorous plants that produce increasingly spectacular displays year after year.