Will Tree Peonies Recover From Trimming

Question From: Lexington, Massachusetts, United States
Q: Our garden helper cut down our 15 year old tree peonies. There are 5in to 6in showing. Will they survive? What can we do help them.

A: They should survive and produce new growth in spring. Be sure to keep the soil moist. I would also put a layer of good compost -say an inch or so on the surface of the soil around the plants, but not up against the stems. You can also fertilize them with a good organic fertilizer, such as Espoma Plant Tone, according to the package directions. Put it down as soon as the snow is gone. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy