Overview
Paeonia emodi 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. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Paeonia emodi 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. It is native to N India, N Pakistan and Afghanistan.
About
Paeonia emodi is a clump-forming, upright perennial notable for its large white, fragrant flowers and deeply divided foliage. It typically reaches about 1.0 m and carries deciduous leaves that are often bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June. Best in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soils.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia emodi
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 emodi (Himalayan peony) is a perennial in the Paeoniaceae native to northern India, northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. It produces large white, scented blooms in May to June and develops deeply incised, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-tinted as they emerge. The plant forms an upright clump and reaches roughly 1.0 m tall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on a deep, fertile loam or clay soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline; the roots prefer moisture but must not sit waterlogged. Choose a sheltered position and avoid deep shade; also avoid exposing frosted buds to direct early morning sun. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), so it will withstand typical UK winters across most garden locations. Use Paeonia emodi at the back of a herbaceous border or as a specimen where its white, fragrant flowers can be seen and smelled at close range. Be aware that contact can be a skin irritant for pets — for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Young foliage is often bronze-flushed before the leaflets fully expand, a useful seasonal detail when planning spring colour combinations.
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 emodi size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Native to
- N India, N Pakistan, Afghanistan
- Fragrance
- Flower
- 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 emodi
- 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 emodi?
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 emodi?
Paeonia emodi prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia emodi need?
Paeonia emodi 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 emodi?
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.
How big does Paeonia emodi grow?
Paeonia emodi reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Paeonia emodi hardy in the UK?
Paeonia emodi 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 emodi?
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 emodi 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
- Paeoniapeony
- Paeonia 'Archangel'peony 'Archangel'
- Paeonia 'Chalice'Peony
- Paeonia 'Early Bird'Peony
- Paeonia 'Good Cheer'Peony
- Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
- Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
- Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)
