What to Do With Peonies in June to Unlock a Stunning Show of Flowers Next Year
A few simple post-bloom tasks now can reward you with stronger plants and a spectacular display next spring
As spring fades into summer, peonies put on one of the garden's most spectacular displays. Their sumptuous, often fragrant blooms rise above lush foliage, stopping visitors in their tracks. The showiest doubles resemble frothy desserts, with names to match, including 'Peaches and Cream', 'Raspberry Sundae', and 'Pink Parfait'. It's little wonder so many gardeners choose to grow peonies, whether in cottage gardens, mixed borders, or cutting gardens.
But June marks a turning point. As petals begin to fall and the flowering season draws to a close, many gardeners assume their peonies no longer need attention. In fact, knowing what to do with peonies in June can make all the difference to next year's display, helping plants stay healthy, build energy reserves, and produce even more blooms.
The good news is that peonies require very little fuss. A few simple jobs now will help prevent disease, support strong growth, and set the stage for an even more spectacular show next spring.
1. Deadhead Spent Blooms
One of the most important jobs this month is to deadhead peonies as soon as the flowers begin to fade. Removing spent blooms stops the plant from putting energy into seed production and helps keep borders looking neat and attractive.
Using clean secateurs, such as the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears, available from Amazon, cut each flower stem back to the first strong leaf below the bloom. The sharp bypass blades make clean, precise cuts through soft stems, helping to minimise damage to the plant. Be careful not to remove too much healthy foliage, as the leaves will continue to photosynthesize and store energy for next year's flowers throughout summer.
Not only does deadheading improve the plant's appearance, but it can also help reduce the risk of fungal problems developing on fallen or decaying petals, particularly during warm, humid weather.
2. Leave the Foliage in Place
One of the biggest peony pruning mistakes gardeners make is cutting plants back too early after flowering. While the blooms may be gone, the foliage is still working hard, absorbing sunlight and storing energy in the roots to fuel next year's display.
Healthy leaves are essential for strong flower production the following season, so resist the urge to tidy up too aggressively. Removing foliage in June can weaken the plant and potentially reduce the number of blooms it produces next spring.
Instead, leave the foliage intact throughout summer and only cut herbaceous peonies back in fall, once the leaves have naturally yellowed and begun to die back. Not only will this help your plants build up energy reserves, but the lush green foliage can continue to provide structure and interest in the border for months after flowering has finished.
3. Water During Dry Spells
Established peonies are relatively drought-tolerant, but prolonged dry weather can leave plants stressed and less vigorous. If rainfall is lacking, give them a deep soak every week or two rather than frequent light watering, which encourages shallow roots. Water at the base of the plant wherever possible to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease.
This is especially important in the weeks after flowering, when peonies are storing energy for next year's blooms. In my own garden, I use the Eden 96213 Essential Turbo Oscillating Water Sprinkler from Amazon to give borders and edges a thorough soak during dry spells. Just be sure to keep an eye on any hosepipe or watering restrictions in your area over summer, as these can come into force during periods of prolonged hot, dry weather.
4. Feed if Necessary
Peonies are not heavy feeders, but if you want to fertilize peonies after flowering, a light application of fertiliser can support healthy root development and help plants build up energy for next year's blooms. This is particularly beneficial for peonies growing in poor soils or borders that haven't been improved with organic matter in recent years.
When choosing the best fertilizer for peonies, avoid high-nitrogen products, which encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Instead, opt for a balanced fertiliser or one slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium to support root growth and bud formation.
Good options include Espoma Plant Food from Ace Hardware and Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Flowering Plant Food from Amazon, both of which are formulated to encourage strong flowering plants.
Apply fertilizer sparingly around the root zone and water it in well. A little goes a long way, and overfeeding is far more likely to cause problems than underfeeding.
5. Check Plant Supports
Many peonies, particularly large double-flowered varieties, can flop under the weight of their blooms, especially after heavy rain. If you've been wondering how to support peonies more effectively, June is the perfect time to assess what worked and what didn't during this year's flowering season.
If stems have collapsed or splayed outwards, make a note to support peonies earlier next year. Simple bamboo stakes and garden twine can work well, but for a neater, more polished look, peony rings or plant frames are often the better option.
In my own garden, I use Peony Plant Support Rings and Peony Plant Cages, both of which are sturdy, easy to install, and help keep heavy blooms upright without drawing attention to the support itself. Installing supports before new growth emerges in spring allows stems to grow through naturally, helping plants stay upright throughout the flowering season.
6. Watch for Signs of Disease
June is an ideal time to inspect plants for common peony pests before they have a chance to spread. While peonies are generally low-maintenance, they can occasionally suffer from issues such as blackened stems, leaf spots, grey mould, or infestations of sap-sucking insects such as aphids, particularly during periods of warm, wet weather.
Remove any affected flowers, leaves, or stems promptly and dispose of them in household waste rather than adding them to the compost heap. Good air circulation around plants can also help prevent fungal diseases from taking hold, so avoid overcrowding and keep surrounding vegetation in check.
If aphids become a problem, a ready-to-use treatment such as Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap can help control populations without leaving long-lasting residues on plants. Catching peony pests and problems early will help keep plants healthy through summer and ensure they're in the best possible shape for next year's display.
7. Enjoy the Seed Heads and Foliage
Once the flowers have faded, peonies still have plenty to offer. Many peony varieties develop attractive seed pods that bring shape and structure to borders through summer, while the foliage stays fresh and green for months before taking on beautiful shades of red and bronze in autumn.
It's easy to think the show is over once the blooms are gone, but that's far from the case. The seed heads have a sculptural quality of their own, and the foliage continues to provide a handsome backdrop for surrounding plants. Left undisturbed, peonies remain an attractive feature in the garden well beyond their flowering season.
Shop Peony Care for June
These durable plant support stakes make it easy to keep peonies standing tall through summer. Sold as a set of six, they provide reliable support for heavy blooms while remaining largely hidden among the foliage. With a sturdy steel core and rust-resistant coating, they're built to withstand the elements and help borders look neat and well-maintained year after year.
Bone meal is a classic fertilizer for peonies, thanks to its high phosphorus content, which supports root growth and flower production. This slow-release formula works steadily in the soil, helping plants establish strong foundations and produce healthier, more abundant blooms year after year.
I like these three-legged plant cages because they provide support without drawing attention to themselves. The ring-shaped top helps hold peony stems in place as they grow, preventing blooms from flopping while maintaining a natural look. Each set comes with eight 12 x 15.7-inch supports.
Peonies may be remarkably low-maintenance, but a little attention in June can make all the difference to next year's display. By deadheading spent blooms, keeping foliage healthy, watering during dry spells, and watching for pests and disease, you'll help plants build the energy reserves they need for a stronger return.
Put in the effort now, and your peonies will reward you with even bigger, more beautiful blooms next spring.
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