When peonies begin to fade, most don’t know what to do. Here are the 10 most critical tasks & why

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# 🌸 When Peonies Begin to Fade, Most Don’t Know What to Do — Here Are the 10 Most Critical Tasks (And Why!)

Peonies are among the most beloved garden flowers — with their lush, fragrant blooms and timeless beauty, they steal the show every spring and early summer. But when those gorgeous petals begin to drop and the vibrant blooms fade, many gardeners are left wondering: **What now?**

The truth is, **what you do after your peonies bloom is just as important as how you care for them before**. Proper post-bloom maintenance ensures healthier plants, more blooms next year, and long-term garden success.

Here are the **10 most critical things to do when your peonies begin to fade** — and why they matter.

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## 🌿 1. **Deadhead Spent Blooms**

**Why it matters:**
Removing faded flowers helps the plant conserve energy. Instead of putting effort into seed production, it can focus on storing energy in its roots for next year’s blooms.

**How to do it:**
Use clean garden shears to snip the bloom just above the first set of full, healthy leaves.

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## ✂️ 2. **Leave the Foliage Alone**

**Why it matters:**
Peony leaves continue to **photosynthesize**, helping the plant store energy for the winter. Cutting back too early can reduce next year’s flower production.

**Tip:**
Leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow or begins to die back naturally in the fall.

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## 🌱 3. **Fertilize Lightly (Optional)**

**Why it matters:**
A light feeding after blooming can support root health and future flower development.

**What to use:**
A balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or a phosphorus-rich one to encourage strong root growth.