About
A large, deciduous perennial shrub with an interesting history (see article on RHS website). It has dark green, hairy leaves and very large and ornamental rose-scented pale purple flowers with dark purple markings in the centre, which age to white, appearing in the summer.
About the genus
Paeonia may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous sub-shrubs with large, divided leaves and showy large bowl-shaped flowers, usually in early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
ToxicityPets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in neutral, humus rich soils, but slightly acid or slightly alkaline soils are tolerated. Good drainage is essential. Ideally, plant in a sunny position. Can be grown in light shade, but the plants may become straggly. Fully hardy, but young foliage and flowers can be damaged by late frost. See tree peony cultivation for further information
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, seeds are doubly dormant needing two winters to germinate. There is a good chance that the young plants will be true to type or similar. Propagate by grafting, from semi-ripe cutting or try layering
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