Paeonia arietina 'Mother of Pearl' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia arietina 'Mother of Pearl' 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 'Mother of Pearl' 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

A clump-forming, upright perennial in the family Paeoniaceae, Paeonia arietina 'Mother of Pearl' is valued for its deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. It dies back to the ground each winter and produces its flowering display in May to June. Best grown where it receives full sun or partial shade with shelter from harsh exposure. Avoid planting where early morning sun hits frosted buds.

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 'Mother of Pearl' is a deciduous perennial from the Balkans and Turkey, carrying the characteristic clump-forming, upright habit of the genus Paeonia. Young leaves are often flushed bronze, a diagnostic feature in spring that precedes the plant's May–June flowering. It belongs to the family Paeoniaceae and is suited to gardens that can mimic open woodland or sheltered meadow conditions. Give it a position in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline reaction. The soil should remain moist but well drained; heavy, waterlogged sites will weaken crowns. Plant where it will be sheltered from strong winds and avoid sites where early morning sun reaches frosted buds, which can damage emerging shoots and blooms. Its hardiness rating of H6–H7 equates to very hardy to fully hardy, so it will withstand most UK winter conditions provided it has winter shelter and well-drained soil. With an upright, clump-forming habit, Paeonia arietina 'Mother of Pearl' suits mixed herbaceous borders or a sheltered edge to a shrub border, where its spring foliage flush provides seasonal interest before summer leaf-out. The bronze tint on young leaves is most visible in early growth and helps identify the cultivar as it comes into leaf.

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 'Mother of Pearl' 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 'Mother of Pearl'

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 'Mother of Pearl'?

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 'Mother of Pearl'?

Paeonia arietina 'Mother of Pearl' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia arietina 'Mother of Pearl' need?

Paeonia arietina 'Mother of Pearl' 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 'Mother of Pearl'?

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 'Mother of Pearl' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia arietina 'Mother of Pearl' 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 'Mother of Pearl'?

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 →