Paeonia cambessedesii (Majorcan peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia cambessedesii 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 0.45 metres tall. Paeonia cambessedesii 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 Balearic Islands.

About

Paeonia cambessedesii is a clump-forming, upright perennial from the Balearic Islands, growing to about 0.45 metres. It has deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June. Plants perform best in sheltered positions with full sun to partial shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia cambessedesii

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 cambessedesii is a compact, clump-forming perennial native to the Balearic Islands. It reaches roughly 0.45 metres and carries deeply divided, deciduous foliage that is often bronze-flushed in its juvenile growth; flowering is confined to May to June. Its upright habit makes it a distinct, compact element in a planting scheme. Give this peony a position in full sun to partial shade on a deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline. Soil should remain moist but well drained and the plant benefits from a sheltered aspect; avoid deep shade and do not site where buds will receive early morning sun on frosted mornings. Hardiness is H6–H7, meaning it is suited to very hardy to fully hardy locations in the UK and will tolerate most winters when protected from harsh exposure. Paeonia cambessedesii suits the front or middle of a sunny border, a sheltered gravel or cottage-style bed, or a specialised collection of Mediterranean-origin perennials where its compact height is an advantage. Note that the plant is a skin irritant to dogs and cats; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Avoid placing it where frosted morning sun will strike emerging buds.

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 cambessedesii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.45 metres
Native to: Balearic Islands
Toxicity: Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia cambessedesii

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 cambessedesii?

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 cambessedesii?

Paeonia cambessedesii prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia cambessedesii need?

Paeonia cambessedesii 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 cambessedesii?

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 cambessedesii grow?

Paeonia cambessedesii reaches a height of 0.45 metres.

Is Paeonia cambessedesii hardy in the UK?

Paeonia cambessedesii 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 cambessedesii?

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.

Is Paeonia cambessedesii toxic?

Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Paeonia genus

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