do peonies need to be covered during a freeze

Peonies (Paeonia spp.) love a chilly winter for their annual rest called dormancy. However, when awake in the spring and facing a late frost just before bloom time, the cold temperatures can freeze peony buds. Peonies should be protected with a light cover if frost threatens.

1. Can peonies survive a hard frost?
2. How cold tolerant are peonies?
3. What plants need to be covered during a freeze?
4. How do you protect peonies from snow?

Can peonies survive a hard frost?

Yes, peonies love cold winters. Peonies grow well in USDA zones 2-8. Peonies need a cool period in the winter, for dormancy, ensuring their buds will open to grow stems and flowers in the spring. Snow and frost are fine.

How cold tolerant are peonies?

Don't worry too much about your prized peonies, as these beautiful plants are extremely cold tolerant and can withstand subzero temperatures and winters as far north as USDA plant hardiness zone 3.

What plants need to be covered during a freeze?

When to Protect Your Plants

Frost protection is especially important for tender plants such as tropical houseplants, succulents, begonias, impatiens, peppers, and tomatoes. Other tender crops that can't withstand frost include eggplant, beans, cucumber, sweet corn, squash and melons.

How do you protect peonies from snow?

If you have a big expanse of flowers, pick some for an indoor bouquet. Next, cover groups of flowers with buckets, sturdy boxes or plant containers. This protection prevents snow from crushing the plants. For peonies and small flowering shrubs, place a tomato cage turned upside down around the plant.