Paeonia arietina 'Northern Glory' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia arietina 'Northern Glory' 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 'Northern Glory' 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 'Northern Glory' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided leaves that are often bronze-flushed when young. It flowers in May to June and prefers full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay kept moist but well drained. The foliage is deciduous and the cultivar performs best in a sheltered position, avoiding deep shade and early-morning sun on 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 'Northern Glory' belongs to the Paeoniaceae and originates from the Balkans and Turkey. It forms an upright, clump-forming perennial with deciduous, deeply divided leaves that commonly show a bronze flush when they first emerge. Flowering takes place in May to June, offering early-summer interest from a plant that suits cooler-season rhythms. Plant in full sun to partial shade on a deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Soil should be kept moist but well drained; water during dry spells in spring and early summer to support bud and shoot development. Give a sheltered aspect and avoid deep shade; take care not to expose frosted buds to early-morning sun, which can cause damage. It carries a UK rating of H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), so it withstands winter conditions across most of Britain and into colder regions. Use 'Northern Glory' where a bold-leafed perennial suits a sheltered mixed border, near structural planting, or alongside shrubs that provide light shelter through spring. Expect the bronze-flushed young foliage to be a reliably identifying feature in spring, and keep an eye on emerging shoots where early sun meets frost.

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 'Northern Glory' 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 'Northern Glory'

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 'Northern Glory'?

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 'Northern Glory'?

Paeonia arietina 'Northern Glory' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia arietina 'Northern Glory' need?

Paeonia arietina 'Northern Glory' 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 'Northern Glory'?

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 'Northern Glory' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia arietina 'Northern Glory' 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 'Northern Glory'?

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 →