Overview
Paeonia 'Cytherea' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Paeonia 'Cytherea' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and city and courtyard gardens.
About
Paeonia 'Cytherea' is a robust, upright herbaceous perennial that features finely divided dark green leaves, which take on a reddish hue in spring. In summer, it produces tall stems adorned with large, saucer-shaped flowers that are initially a vibrant magenta-pink, gradually softening to a pastel pink. This variety is notable for its flower structure and overall blooming capability.
About the genus
Paeonia includes herbaceous perennials and deciduous sub-shrubs characterized by their broad, lobed leaves and prominent, bowl-shaped blossoms that typically appear in early summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Paeonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Paeonia 'Cytherea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
- Fragrance
- Flower
- 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 'Cytherea'
- Cultivation
- Will grow well in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. See herbaceous peony cultivation for more details.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and cut back foliage in autumn when it dies back
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in autumn and early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Paeonia 'Cytherea'?
Will grow well in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. See herbaceous peony cultivation for more details.
Where is the best place to plant Paeonia 'Cytherea'?
Paeonia 'Cytherea' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia 'Cytherea' need?
Paeonia 'Cytherea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Paeonia 'Cytherea'?
Remove spent flowers and cut back foliage in autumn when it dies back.
How big does Paeonia 'Cytherea' grow?
Paeonia 'Cytherea' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Paeonia 'Cytherea' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia 'Cytherea' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Paeonia 'Cytherea'?
Propagate by division in autumn and early spring.
Is Paeonia 'Cytherea' good for pollinators?
Yes — Paeonia 'Cytherea' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Paeonia 'Cytherea' toxic?
Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.