Paeonia 'Early Bird' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia 'Early Bird' 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 'Early Bird' 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, cottage gardens and perennial beds.

About

Paeonia 'Early Bird' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in May to June. It bears deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young and carries mildly fragrant blooms. Plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Choose a sheltered aspect and avoid early morning sun on frosted buds.

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 'Early Bird' is a named cultivar in the genus Paeonia (family Paeoniaceae), grown as a clump-forming, upright perennial. Its flowering season runs from May to June and the blooms are mildly fragrant. The foliage is deciduous and typically shows deeply divided leaves with a bronze flush on the new growth. Give Paeonia 'Early Bird' a site in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay; soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline and kept moist but well drained. Plant where it will be sheltered rather than exposed, and avoid positions that receive early morning sun during frosts to reduce the risk to emerging buds. Its hardiness is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8. This cultivar fits borders, perennial beds, cottage-style planting and as a source of cut flowers. The combination of upright habit, bronze-tinged young foliage and a mild scent makes it particularly appropriate where foliage contrast and scent near a seating area or pathway are wanted. Expect the characteristic bronze flush on new leaves to appear before the flowers open in May to June.

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 'Early Bird' 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, perennial beds
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia 'Early Bird'

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 'Early Bird'?

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 'Early Bird'?

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

What soil does Paeonia 'Early Bird' need?

Paeonia 'Early Bird' 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 'Early Bird'?

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 'Early Bird' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'Early Bird' 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 'Early Bird'?

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 →