Franka Kruse-Gering

October 12, 2026, 10:27 am | Read time: 4 minutes

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Are Peonies Hardy?

Yes, peonies are generally hardy. Most species tolerate frost without any issues and can withstand cold winters outdoors. Nevertheless, it’s worth taking a look at the specific plant species in the fall. Herbaceous peonies, tree peonies, and potted plants do not require the same care before winter.

How to Overwinter Herbaceous Peonies

Herbaceous peonies retreat completely into the ground in the fall. The yellowing and dying of the foliage is therefore no cause for concern, but part of their natural annual cycle. Older plants in the bed usually do not need additional winter protection. Their roots are considered sufficiently frost-hardy and reliably sprout again in the spring.

There are also Itoh Hybrids
Itoh hybrids, also known as intersectional hybrids, are crosses between herbaceous and tree peonies. They combine the large flowers of the tree peony with the more compact growth of herbaceous peonies. They are considered easy to overwinter: The above-ground plant parts die off in the fall and can be cut back. The plants then overwinter in the ground and sprout again in the spring. Established specimens generally do not require additional winter protection.

Protect Tree Peonies from Snow Damage

Tree peonies lose their leaves in the fall but retain their woody stems. The plants usually tolerate frost without any problems. However, heavy, wet snow can be problematic, as the branches can break relatively easily. It is therefore advisable to loosely tie the stems together before winter. This helps distribute the snow load better and reduces the risk of snow damage.

Also interesting: How to make your peonies bloom even more abundantly

Cutting Back Peonies in Fall–Yes or No?

Whether peonies should be cut back in the fall depends on the specific type. Since herbaceous peonies and Itoh hybrids retreat completely into the ground over the winter once the foliage has yellowed and the stems have died, they can be cut back close to the ground. This not only creates a tidier appearance but also helps prevent fungal diseases such as gray mold. Tree peonies, on the other hand, should not be cut back, as their woody stems remain and sprout again in the spring. Here, it is sufficient to remove dead or damaged branches as needed.

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Protect Newly Planted Peonies

While older and well-established peonies usually get through the winter without any help, different rules apply to new plantings. Especially plants that were only planted in the fall have not yet had enough time to develop a strong root system. As a result, they are more sensitive to severe frosts and frequent temperature changes.

To protect the young plants, it is advisable to cover the root area with some fall leaves in the first winter. This layer acts as natural insulation and prevents the soil from constantly freezing and thawing during frost and thaw periods.

However, it is important not to apply the protective layer too thickly and to remove it again in early spring. If the material remains in place for too long, heat and moisture can accumulate underneath. This promotes premature sprouting and increases the risk of fungal diseases such as gray mold. Once no more severe frosts are expected, the young peonies should be left uncovered.

Also interesting: Can plants actually freeze?

Potted Peonies Require Special Attention

While peonies can be kept outdoors in pots over the winter, they require significantly more protection than those planted in the ground. The reason: In the bed, the roots are surrounded by a large mass of soil that buffers temperature fluctuations. In a pot, however, the root ball can freeze through much more quickly during prolonged frost periods.

The pot should be placed in a sheltered spot, such as against a house wall or under an eave. Additionally, it may be useful to wrap the container with fleece, burlap, or coconut mats and place it on a wooden or Styrofoam board to prevent cold from seeping into the pot from below. Watering is also necessary occasionally in winter, but only on frost-free days and very sparingly. It is especially important to avoid waterlogging. Excess water must be able to drain away at all times, as roots that remain wet during the cold season can easily be damaged or rot.