Hi peony lovers! Does anyone use electric shears for cutting peony foliage in the fall? Which ones are better than others? Thanks.

Anya, I am just using pruners. I guess you could use a lawn mower if you do not have anything that needs special attention...

I thought about it in CO, not established enough in AL to be tempting! As long as there's no disease it should work well and save time…

I use hand pruners, but that sounds like a great idea. I do have a Ryobi battery powered hand clipper that use for close trimming grass. I will get it out and try it. (See internet photo)

I have started using Clorox wipes on my hand pruners to avoid spreading disease. The Impatient Gardener is using a can of Lysol spray . I have several containers of Clorox wipes that I bought when COVID started, so I thought that they would be good to use also.

LG, how was the clipper? It looks a little weak for peony stems.

anyagoro said: LG, how was the clipper? It looks a little weak for peony stems.

I finally found it and took it out. It cut through the peony stems just fine. I do believe it could cut your finger off!
The only issue I have with it is that you must hold the trigger in to operate. I'm sure it's a safety feature, but I have arthritis in my right hand, so it does get weary.

Oh, thanks, LG!!! Good to know

Let us know if you buy anything, and how it works for you, Anya.

Is your foliage already dying back? How cold are the nights getting?

Not yet, the foliage is still green, Itoh peonies don't wilt at all, their leaves will freeze if I don't cut them before that. Nights are pretty warm, my vegetable garden is still growing. But winter is around the corner.

Does anyone know when peony roots start growing? Is it too early to start moving peonies? I think our summer is over. Today, it feels like late summer or one of those first autumn days. Please advise.
I can't believe the summer is already over.

It depends on the soil temperature. I think this is a good time in your climate, Jasmin.