Paeonia 'Good Cheer' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia 'Good Cheer' 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 'Good Cheer' 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 'Good Cheer' is a clump-forming, upright peony that produces mildly fragrant flowers in May to June. Leaves are deciduous and deeply divided, often showing a bronze flush when young. It performs best in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Choose a sheltered aspect and avoid deep shade and 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 'Good Cheer' is a named garden peony (genus Paeonia, family Paeoniaceae) grown as a perennial for its late spring display. The cultivar forms upright clumps with deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze‑flushed when young and produces mildly fragrant blooms in May to June. The flowers are a seasonal focus and are commonly used fresh-cut. Locate plants in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay. Soil should be moist but well drained and lean towards neutral to slightly alkaline pH; avoid heavy, waterlogged pockets. Give a sheltered position where possible—avoid exposed sites and do not place where early morning sun will strike buds that are still frosted. The rating H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) means it will tolerate most UK winter conditions; the equivalent USDA range is 3–8. Paeonia 'Good Cheer' suits mixed borders, classic cottage schemes and is excellent for cutting for vases during its May–June season. Leaves die back after the season, and the plant benefits from being sited where the flower stems can be appreciated at close range rather than hidden by taller neighbours.

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 'Good Cheer' 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: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia 'Good Cheer'

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 'Good Cheer'?

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 'Good Cheer'?

Paeonia 'Good Cheer' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia 'Good Cheer' need?

Paeonia 'Good Cheer' 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 'Good Cheer'?

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 'Good Cheer' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'Good Cheer' 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 'Good Cheer'?

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 →