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

Overview

Paeonia 'Defender' 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 'Defender' 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 'Defender' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided foliage that often shows a bronze flush when young. It produces mildly fragrant flowers in May to June. Best grown in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline. Plant in a sheltered spot and avoid exposing buds to early morning sun when frosts linger.

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

A member of the family Paeoniaceae, Paeonia 'Defender' is a herbaceous perennial grown for its showy, mildly fragrant flowers and distinctive, deeply divided leaves. It suits temperate UK gardens and has a compact, clump-forming habit that performs well where soil is deep and fertile. Flowering occurs in May to June. Place Paeonia 'Defender' in full sun to partial shade on neutral to slightly alkaline soil; it favours loam or clay that stays moist but drains. Choose a sheltered location and avoid sites where buds receive early morning sun on frosted mornings, which can damage emerging flowers. It tolerates a UK hardiness range of H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and aligns with USDA zones 3–8, so it will withstand typical winter conditions across most of the UK. Use Paeonia 'Defender' in mixed borders, cottage-style plantings or as a source of cut flowers. Stems cut at the first opening carry the mild scent indoors; leave some stems uncut to display the foliage, which is frequently bronze-flushed in spring. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally before clearing to support next year’s growth.

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 'Defender' 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: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia 'Defender'

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 'Defender'?

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 'Defender'?

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

What soil does Paeonia 'Defender' need?

Paeonia 'Defender' 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 'Defender'?

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 'Defender' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'Defender' 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 'Defender'?

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 →