Overview
Paeonia clusii 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 0.12 metres tall. Paeonia clusii 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 Crete, Karpathos and Rhodes.
About
Paeonia clusii is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony notable for its scented spring flowers. It remains compact at around 0.12 metres and bears deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June. Plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay and choose a sheltered site.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia clusii
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 clusii is a low, clump-forming member of Paeoniaceae native to Crete, Karpathos and Rhodes. It forms an upright, compact clump at roughly 0.12 metres, carrying deeply divided, deciduous foliage that is often bronze-flushed as it emerges, followed by scented flowers in May to June. Grow it in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay that remains moist but drains; a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH suits it best. Avoid deep shade and protect buds from direct early-morning sun if frost is expected. Give plants a sheltered position to reduce wind exposure. Its hardiness rating of H6–H7 (USDA 3–8) places it in the very-hardy to fully-hardy range for most of the UK, though very young shoots can be vulnerable to late frosts. In the garden, Paeonia clusii works well at the front of herbaceous borders or beside low walls where its modest height keeps it visible and sheltered. The combination of bronze-tinged young foliage and scented May–June blooms provides a short but distinct two-stage display.
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 clusii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Height
- 0.12 metres
- Native to
- Crete, Karpathos, Rhodes
- Fragrance
- scented
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia clusii
- 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 clusii?
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 clusii?
Paeonia clusii prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia clusii need?
Paeonia clusii 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 clusii?
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 clusii grow?
Paeonia clusii reaches a height of 0.12 metres.
Is Paeonia clusii hardy in the UK?
Paeonia clusii 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 clusii?
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)
