I dead head only the flower that has not produce a seed pod. I have been growing peonies from seed for 30 years and now have mixed colours that I did not originally have. A labour of love as it take Years!!! before they flower. I second the do not disturbed the roots as we had to dig pout 2 beds due to huge invasion of creeping bell flower. They are just starting to flower again after several years.
I dead head only the flower that has not produce a seed pod. I have been growing peonies from seed for 30 years and now have mixed colours that I did not originally have. A labour of love as it take Years!!! before they flower. I second the do not disturbed the roots as we had to dig pout 2 beds due to huge invasion of creeping bell flower. They are just starting to flower again after several years.