Overview
Paeonia arietina 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. Paeonia arietina 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 Balkans and Turkey.
About
Paeonia arietina is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided foliage that often flushes bronze when young. It flowers from May to June. The plant prefers deep, fertile loam or clay in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and likes moist but well-drained soil. Place it in full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot, avoiding deep shade and exposure to early morning sun when frosts are likely.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia arietina
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 arietina belongs to the Paeoniaceae and is native to the Balkans and Turkey. As a clump-forming, upright perennial it produces deciduous, deeply divided leaves that frequently show a bronze flush in early growth and then carry the spring flowers in the established shoot structure. For planting, choose a site in full sun to partial shade with deep, fertile loam or clay and neutral to slightly alkaline soil. It prefers soil that remains moist but is well drained and performs best in a sheltered aspect; avoid deep shade and exposure to early morning sun where buds might be exposed to late frosts. Hardiness is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and USDA 3–8, so it tolerates a wide range of UK winter conditions when sited appropriately. Use Paeonia arietina where its upright clump and seasonal foliage will be visible, such as the middle of a mixed border or a sheltered margin. The young bronze-tinged foliage is an early seasonal feature to look for and provides a clear visual cue shortly before the May–June flowering period.
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 arietina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Native to
- Balkans, Turkey
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia arietina
- 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 arietina?
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 arietina?
Paeonia arietina prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia arietina need?
Paeonia arietina 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 arietina?
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.
Is Paeonia arietina hardy in the UK?
Paeonia arietina 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 arietina?
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)
