About
Paeonia delavayi, the Delavay peony, is an erect, open, deciduous shrub with large leaves divided into numerous lance-shaped leaflets. Deep-maroon flowers to 10 cm across with yellow stamens and conspicuous leafy bracts are produced in early summer. A bold and elegant tree peony for a sunny, sheltered, fertile border.
About the genus
Paeonia, the peonies, may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous subshrubs with large, divided, deeply lobed leaves and showy, bowl-shaped flowers in a wide range of colours, usually in early summer. Long-lived and rewarding garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toChina
ToxicityPets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. See tree peony cultivation for further information.
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt