Winter Cutback for Hostas and Peonies in Central Ohio

Putting Perennials to Bed

Central Ohio gardener asks if hostas and peonies should be cut down for winter.

Peonies: Cut to 2″ above ground now.
Hostas: Leave foliage as winter mulch; clean up in spring. If untidiness bothers you, cut back now.

Hosta leaves insulate the crown. Peonies benefit from clean removal to reduce disease carryover (botrytis).

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