Paeonia 'Daystar' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia 'Daystar' 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 'Daystar' 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 garden specimen.

About

Paeonia 'Daystar' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided foliage that is often bronze-flushed when young and bears mildly fragrant flowers. Flowering occurs in the UK from May to June. It favours a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade and performs best in deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

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 'Daystar' is a herbaceous peony cultivar with an upright, clump-forming habit and deciduous, deeply divided leaves that commonly show a bronze flush as shoots emerge. Blooms are produced in May to June and carry a mild scent that suits nearby pathways or vase work. Plant in full sun to partial shade but avoid deep shade; an exposed site can reduce flowering and early morning sun on frosted buds should be avoided to limit frost damage. Give a deep, fertile loam or clay soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH and ensure it stays moist but well drained; a sheltered aspect reduces wind stress on flower stems and preserves the delicate early shoots. The plant is rated H6–H7, meaning it will tolerate most UK winter conditions from very hardy to fully hardy. Use Paeonia 'Daystar' as a permanent border plant, a specimen in a mixed bed or for cut flowers; its upright stems and mildly scented blooms make single-stem harvesting straightforward. Leaves die back after flowering, so position where the seasonal outline is acceptable, and enjoy the brief May to June bloom period for cutting and garden impact.

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 'Daystar' 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, garden specimen
Fragrance: Mild

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia 'Daystar'

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 'Daystar'?

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 'Daystar'?

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

What soil does Paeonia 'Daystar' need?

Paeonia 'Daystar' 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 'Daystar'?

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 'Daystar' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'Daystar' 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 'Daystar'?

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

Browse all Paeonia →