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Flower Base of plant

It's very fragrant. As you can hopefully see in the second photo, there are no thorns. The plant itself is looking a little out of control, like it could use some pruning. I'm just not sure how or when to go about it.

J. Musser
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1 Answers1

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That is a Peony, a hardy perennial known for its fragrant blooms.

This plant is not in need of pruning, but in need of some support - these flowers may be heavy.
A typical solution are plant supports: Wire "rings" or semi circles on stakes that keep the plant from "flopping down", especially when blooms or heavy rain make them top heavy. The "grow-through" variety is sectioned within but must be put in place before the plants are tall like yours.
In a pinch, you can always use a few stakes and some string for support.

Peonies don't need much care: Don't plant them too deep or they won't flower (obviously not your problem), don't mulch at the base and fertilize with a good all-purpose fertilizer once or twice a year. You can cut spent blooms, but don't need to, the seed pods are sometimes quite attractive, too. (There is no accounting for taste, obviously.) In fall/winter the foliage will die back, leaving the spot bare, but it will re-grow in spring - surprising some unwitting gardeners like here.

Enjoy your peony!

Stephie
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