Overview
Paeonia 'Constance Spry' 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 'Constance Spry' 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. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and cottage gardens.
About
Paeonia 'Constance Spry' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony valued for its fragrant blooms. The foliage is deciduous and deeply divided, often bronze-flushed when young. It prefers full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay that stays moist but drains and flowers in May to June. Position it in a sheltered spot and avoid early-morning sun on frosted buds.
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 'Constance Spry' is a cultivated garden peony prized for its scent and classical flower form. It carries the divided, often bronze-tinted spring foliage typical of herbaceous peonies and produces its flowering display from May to June. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; the soil should remain moist but free-draining. It tolerates cold winters and is rated H6–H7, meaning very hardy to fully hardy across most UK gardens, but it benefits from a sheltered aspect and protection from drying winds. Avoid sites that receive strong early-morning sunlight on frosted buds to reduce frost damage to emerging shoots. Use Constance Spry in mixed borders, cottage-style beds and for cutting — its fragrance makes it an excellent choice for vase work. Because the foliage dies back after the season, position it where summer perennials or grasses can mask the bare stems. Expect the plant’s strongest scent at peak bloom in its May–June flowering window.
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 'Constance Spry' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Suggested uses
- Borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens
- Fragrance
- Fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia 'Constance Spry'
- 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 'Constance Spry'?
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 'Constance Spry'?
Paeonia 'Constance Spry' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia 'Constance Spry' need?
Paeonia 'Constance Spry' 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 'Constance Spry'?
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 'Constance Spry' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia 'Constance Spry' 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 'Constance Spry'?
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)
