About
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to around 70cm high, with divided, glossy green leaves that are tinted red in spring and autumn. In early summer produces large, lightly scented, pale yellow single flowers touched with red at the base.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 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
CultivationGrow in deep, rich, well-drained soil, ideally in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Will not tolerate waterlogging. Intersectional peonies will not usually need staking. See herbaceous peony cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningCut back to ground level in autumn, to remove dead foliage and reduce the risk of disease
PropagationPropagate by division, lifting and dividing established clumps in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and swift moth caterpillar
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt