Overview
Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' 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 0.8 m tall. Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' 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 Central and eastern Asia.
About
Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial peony that flowers in May to June. It reaches about 0.8 m and has deciduous, deeply divided foliage that often shows a bronze flush when young. Plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline and moist but well drained. Give a sheltered position and avoid early morning sun on frosted buds.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia lactiflora
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 lactiflora 'Evening World' is an herbaceous perennial from central and eastern Asia, carrying the long garden history of P. lactiflora into modern borders. It forms upright clumps to roughly 0.8 m with deeply divided leaves that frequently have a bronze tinge as they emerge. Flowering occurs in May to June. Position it in full sun to partial shade where the soil is deep and fertile — heavy loam or clay suits it provided drainage is good and moisture is retained. Aim for neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH and a sheltered aspect; the plant’s advice to avoid early morning sun on frosted buds helps reduce bud damage in late springs. Its UK hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and it is also rated USDA 3–8, so it tolerates a wide range of garden locations in Britain when given the right soil and shelter. Use the upright clump where a 0.8 m tall perennial fits the composition of the border, keeping it away from deep shade. Note the young foliage’s bronze flush when choosing neighbours so early-season leaf colour complements adjacent spring planting rather than clashes with it.
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 lactiflora 'Evening World' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Native to
- Central and eastern Asia
- 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 lactiflora 'Evening World'
- 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 lactiflora 'Evening World'?
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 lactiflora 'Evening World'?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' need?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' 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 lactiflora 'Evening World'?
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 lactiflora 'Evening World' grow?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Evening World' 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 lactiflora 'Evening World'?
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 lactiflora 'Evening World' 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)
