Demystifying Peony Leaves: What Do They Really Look Like?

With their sumptuous, romantic blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow, peonies are one of the most beloved perennials for the late spring garden. But there’s more to peonies than just the flowers. The plants’ deep green, divided foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the blooms and remains throughout the growing season.

But if you’re new to growing peonies, you may wonder – what do peony leaves really look like? Read on for a guide to identifying peony leaves and caring for these incredible plants.

Peony Leaf Basics

Peonies produce leafy, bushy plants with a spread of 3-4 feet at maturity. The leaves emerge each spring alongside the developing flower buds

Peony leaves are alternate, meaning they arise singly along the stems rather than in pairs opposite one another

The leaves have long Petioles (leaf stems) that attach them to the main branches. Petioles are typically 4-8 inches long.

Leaves are pale green when new, maturing to a deep green color. They range from 2-6 inches long depending on variety.

One of the most distinctive features of peony leaves is their divided, feather-like appearance.

Four Main Types of Peony Leaf Shapes

While all peony leaves have a lacy, divided look, the specific leaf shape varies by peony type:

• Tree peonies – Leaves are wider than tall, with 5-9 deeply cut rounded lobes. Overall shape is oval.

• Herbaceous peonies – Finely divided leaves with narrow, pointed leaflets in a lacy pattern. Fern-like appearance.

• Itoh peonies – Intermediate leaves with lobed segments like tree peonies but more deeply cut.

• Intersectional peonies – Combination of traits produces broader segments than herbaceous but more divided than tree peony leaves.

Other Identifying Features

Here are some other details that help distinguish peony leaves:

• New growth and young leaves have a reddish tinge that fades to green as they mature.

• Mature leaves have a leathery texture and glossy appearance.

• Undersides of leaves may be slightly hairy.

• Autumn color is minimal – leaves turn pale yellow or brown before dropping.

• Herbaceous peonies go dormant, losing leaves in fall. Woody types retain some leaves through winter.

• Leaf buds for the next year form at the base in fall and generate new growth each spring.

Once you know what to look for, identifying peony leaves is easy!

Caring for Peony Foliage

Peony leaves play an important role in plant growth and bloom production by manufacturing energy via photosynthesis. Follow good practices to keep your peony foliage healthy:

• Provide full sun of at least 6 hours per day. More sun results in more robust leaf and flower development.

• Space plants 2-3 feet apart so leaves have room to reach mature size.

• Water thoroughly during dry periods so leaves maintain vigor.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost around plants in early spring.

• Prune spent flowers just above a leaf node to avoid damaging leaves.

• Remove tattered or diseased foliage as needed to improve air circulation.

• Cut back foliage to the ground after hard frosts for herbaceous types.

Proper care provides peonies with the growing conditions they need for a bountiful display of flowers supported by lush green foliage.

Common Problems With Peony Foliage

When peony leaf problems occur, it’s usually tied to one of these issues:

• Leaf spots – Fungal disease causes small brown spots on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

• Botrytis blight – Humid conditions promote development of fuzzy gray fungal growth on leaves and buds.

• Wilt – Leaves droop and collapse due to root damage from poor drainage or nematodes.

• Chewing damage – Slugs, earwigs, or Japanese beetles eat holes in leaf margins. Remove pests and use organic deterrents.

• Yellowed leaves – Usuallyindicates overwet soil. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

Catching issues early and providing proper cultural care is the best way to prevent peony leaf problems.

Using Peony Leaves as Garden Mulch

Don’t discard foliage trimmed from peonies in fall – use it as free garden mulch! Chop or shred the leaves first using a lawnmower or shredder. Apply 2-3 inches of peony leaf mulch around perennials and trees. As the mulch slowly breaks down over winter, it adds organic matter to the soil.

Enjoying Peonies in Bloom and Beyond

Now that you know how to identify peony leaves, you can better care for and appreciate these incredible plants from the ground up. Pay attention to the foliage to spot problems early and nurture healthy leaf growth. Gorgeous blooms, supported by lush green peony leaves, will grace your garden each spring.