Paeonia 'Early Windflower' (peony 'Early Windflower') — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia 'Early Windflower' 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 Windflower' 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 'Early Windflower' is a clump-forming, upright perennial with deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze‑flushed when young. It flowers in May to June and carries a mild, sweet fragrance. Best grown in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline and moist but well drained. It is very hardy to fully hardy in the UK (H6–H7).

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 Windflower' belongs to the family Paeoniaceae and the genus Paeonia. The plant forms upright clumps with deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze‑flushed as they emerge, and it produces a scented display in May to June. No native origin is specified here, but its growth habit places it among garden peonies valued for spring blossom and cut blooms. Plant in a position of full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay; the soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline and remain moist but well drained. Avoid deep shade and try not to expose flower buds to early morning sun when frosts are possible, as this can damage unopened buds. Give the planting a sheltered aspect against strong winds to protect stems and flowers. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms) and it corresponds to USDA zones 3–8. Use Paeonia 'Early Windflower' in mixed borders, cottage gardens or for cutting; the mild, sweet fragrance makes stems suitable for bringing inside. Take care with handling around pets: the plant can be a skin irritant to dogs and cats, and gardeners should consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information. The bronze‑flushed young foliage provides seasonally distinctive colour that complements the May–June flowering period.

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 Windflower' 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: Mild, sweet
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 'Early Windflower'

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 Windflower'?

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 Windflower'?

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

What soil does Paeonia 'Early Windflower' need?

Paeonia 'Early Windflower' 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 Windflower'?

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 Windflower' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'Early Windflower' 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 Windflower'?

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 'Early Windflower' 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

Browse all Paeonia →