Peony Has Brown Leaves All Over And Does Not Look Well

Question From: Elk Creek, Virginia, United States
Q: My peony is about 3-5 years old, just bloomed this past spring. It looks sickly all over. A lot of brown leaves. Can I just cut it all back? How short?

A: Cut it back to ground level and bag up all the leaves and stems. You can do it now. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy