Overview
Paeonia anomala intermedia is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young foliage. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Paeonia anomala intermedia grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates deep and fertile loam or clay soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6–H7. It is native to Northern Europe and Russia.
About
Paeonia anomala intermedia is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the peony family with deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. It reaches around 0.5 m and flowers in May to June. The plant prefers deep, fertile loam or clay in full sun to partial shade and performs best in a sheltered spot. It is native to northern Europe and Russia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia anomala
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 anomala intermedia belongs to the genus Paeonia (family Paeoniaceae) and originates from northern Europe and Russia. As a clump-forming, upright perennial it produces deciduous foliage that is deeply divided and often shows a bronze flush on new growth. Flowering occurs in May to June. Give this peony a site in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Soil should remain moist but well drained; waterlogged winter roots and baked dry summers both reduce vigour. Plant where it will be protected from cold drying winds, since it prefers a sheltered exposure, and avoid positions of deep shade. It grows to about 0.5 m, so position it at the front or middle of a herbaceous border, beside other late-spring perennials or in a sheltered courtyard bed. Allow room for the clump to open out so air can circulate through the divided leaves. Avoid early morning sun on frosted buds to reduce the risk of frost damage to emerging growth.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Paeonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type
- Deep, fertile loam or clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well drained
- Aspect
- Any but deep shade; avoid early morning sun on frosted buds
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6–H7
Plant details
Paeonia anomala intermedia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Native to
- Northern Europe, Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia anomala intermedia
- Cultivation
- Plant herbaceous peonies with the crown no more than 3cm below the surface — deep planting is the commonest reason a clump never flowers. Enrich the ground thoroughly before planting, then leave undisturbed, and support the heaviest doubles before the buds open.
- Pruning
- Cut herbaceous stems to ground level once the foliage has died back in autumn and clear the debris away, which reduces the risk of peony wilt. Tree peonies need only dead or crossing wood removed after flowering.
- Propagation
- Divide herbaceous crowns in late autumn into sections carrying at least three dormant buds with roots attached, and only once flowering begins to decline. Tree peonies are grafted or layered; seed is slow and variable.
- Pest resistance
- Rarely troubled by pests. Ants on swelling buds are drawn to the nectar and do no harm.
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to peony wilt in damp seasons; open spacing and prompt removal of affected growth are the best defence.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Paeonia anomala intermedia?
Plant herbaceous peonies with the crown no more than 3cm below the surface — deep planting is the commonest reason a clump never flowers. Enrich the ground thoroughly before planting, then leave undisturbed, and support the heaviest doubles before the buds open.
Where is the best place to plant Paeonia anomala intermedia?
Paeonia anomala intermedia prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia anomala intermedia need?
Paeonia anomala intermedia grows best in deep and fertile loam or clay soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.
How do I prune Paeonia anomala intermedia?
Cut herbaceous stems to ground level once the foliage has died back in autumn and clear the debris away, which reduces the risk of peony wilt. Tree peonies need only dead or crossing wood removed after flowering.
How big does Paeonia anomala intermedia grow?
Paeonia anomala intermedia reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Paeonia anomala intermedia hardy in the UK?
Paeonia anomala intermedia has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Paeonia anomala intermedia?
Divide herbaceous crowns in late autumn into sections carrying at least three dormant buds with roots attached, and only once flowering begins to decline. Tree peonies are grafted or layered; seed is slow and variable.
More in the Paeonia genus
- Paeoniapeony
- Paeonia 'Archangel'peony 'Archangel'
- Paeonia 'Chalice'Peony
- Paeonia 'Early Bird'Peony
- Paeonia 'Good Cheer'Peony
- Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
- Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
- Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)
