Paeonia (peony) — Bushy, Clump forming

Overview

Paeonia is a bushy, clump forming shrubs in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Paeonia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Paeonia is a clump-forming shrub in the Paeoniaceae grown for its spring flowers that open in May to June. It has deciduous foliage and a multi-stemmed, rounded habit. Plant in a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil. It suits a range of soil types and pH levels.

About the genus

The peony or paeony is any flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae. Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. Scientists differ on the number of species that can be distinguished, ranging from 25 to 40, although the current consensus describes 33 known species.

Wikipedia contributors, "Peony", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Peony

In the garden

Paeonia sits in the family Paeoniaceae and is cultivated principally for its May-to-June flowering display. As a clump-forming shrub with deciduous leaves, it produces its best floral impact in late spring, when blooms rise above the foliage. Its rounded habit makes it straightforward to place where a strong seasonal accent is wanted. Give Paeonia a site in full sun or partial shade; it tolerates east-, south- or west-facing positions. Soils may be chalk, clay, loam or sand provided they remain moist but well drained, and the genus accepts acid, alkaline or neutral pH. Choose a sheltered spot rather than an exposed ridge, and remember that Paeonia is rated H6, meaning it is very hardy in UK conditions and will withstand typical winter temperatures without special wintering. In practice the plant works well at the front or centre of mixed borders, in cottage or informal schemes, and in city or courtyard gardens where space is limited but a strong spring show is required. Because it forms a stable clump, individual plants can be left undisturbed for several years to develop their presence, with the main season of interest concentrated in May and June.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Paeonia

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Paeonia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy, Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia

Propagation: Division, Lifting and dividing established clumps in autumn
Pest resistance: Leaf and bud eelworm, Swift moth caterpillar
Disease resistance: Virus, Honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, Peony leaf blotch, Peony wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Paeonia?

Paeonia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia need?

Paeonia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.