Overview
Paeonia daurica 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 daurica 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 SE Europe to Iran.
About
Paeonia daurica is a clump-forming, upright perennial with deeply divided, deciduous leaves often bronze-flushed when young. Stems bear single flowers in late spring, with a defined flowering season from May to June. It favours full sun to partial shade and performs best in deep, fertile loam or clay soils. Plants need a sheltered position and neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is moist but well drained.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia daurica
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 daurica is a herbaceous perennial native to south‑eastern Europe through the Caucasus to Iran. It grows as an upright, clump-forming plant with deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze‑flushed in their early growth. Flowering takes place in a narrow window from May to June. Position plants in full sun to partial shade, avoiding deep shade and exposure to early morning sun when buds may be frosted. Give a sheltered site and a deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH; the soil should retain moisture yet drain freely. The UK hardiness rating H6–H7 translates as very hardy to fully hardy, and the species is also listed for USDA zones 3–8. Keep plants out of windy, exposed corners where stems might be damaged. Note the toxicity: contact with the plant may irritate pets’ skin; for further information and contact numbers see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. In cultivation, follow the plant's preference for a sheltered aspect and appropriate soil depth; the frequently bronze‑flushed young foliage provides an early season colour note distinct to Paeonia daurica.
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 daurica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Native to
- SE Europe to Iran
- 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 daurica
- 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 daurica?
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 daurica?
Paeonia daurica prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia daurica need?
Paeonia daurica 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 daurica?
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 daurica hardy in the UK?
Paeonia daurica 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 daurica?
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 daurica 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
- 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)
