Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne' 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 'Hilda Milne' 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.

About

Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne' is a clump-forming, upright peony in the Paeoniaceae that produces rose-coloured blooms in May to June. It has deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. The cultivar prefers a sheltered site in full sun to partial shade. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay that stays moist but drains freely.

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 'Hilda Milne' belongs to the Paeoniaceae and is a perennial ram’s-horn type peony that occurs naturally across parts of southern Europe and into the Caucasus. The cultivar forms an upright clump with solitary, rose-coloured flowers borne in the late spring flush of May to June and yellow anthers at the centre. Give this peony a position in full sun or light afternoon shade on neutral to slightly alkaline soil; deep, fertile loam or clay suits it best. It prefers a moist but well-drained root run and benefits from a sheltered aspect to protect unfolding buds — avoid early morning sun on frosted buds. Hardiness H6–H7 means it is very hardy to fully hardy in the UK and will tolerate cold winters across most regions (USDA 3–8). Situate Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne' where its spring flowers can be seen, such as a mixed or herbaceous border that receives sun and shelter from strong winds. The plant’s leaves emerge frequently bronze-flushed in spring before turning greener as the season progresses, a distinctive seasonal change to note.

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 'Hilda Milne' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne'

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 'Hilda Milne'?

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 'Hilda Milne'?

Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne' need?

Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne' 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 'Hilda Milne'?

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 'Hilda Milne' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia arietina 'Hilda Milne' 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 'Hilda Milne'?

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

Browse all Paeonia →