Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' 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 'Hidcote Purple' 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 and cut flowers. It is native to Central and eastern Asia.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' is an herbaceous, clump-forming perennial peony with an upright habit, growing to about 0.8 m. The deeply divided leaves are frequently bronze‑flushed when young and the blooms carry a mild to moderate fragrance in late spring. It performs best in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH and a moist but well-drained soil. Plant in a sheltered position, avoid deep shade and keep early morning sun off 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 'Hidcote Purple' is a cultivated form of the species Paeonia lactiflora (family Paeoniaceae), a group originating in central and eastern Asia. It forms upright, clump-forming herbaceous plants to around 0.8 m, with deciduous, deeply divided foliage that often shows a bronze flush when young. The flowers are produced in May to June and carry a mild to moderate scent. Give this peony full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay; the soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline and kept moist but well drained. Choose a sheltered site and avoid placing plants in deep shade; also avoid exposing flower buds to early morning sun when frost is possible. In UK hardiness terms it sits in H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), so it will tolerate typical winter conditions across most of the country. Use Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' in mixed borders where its upright clumps provide structure, or grow it for cut flowers where the season of May to June supplies late-spring blooms. The combination of upright habit, bronze‑tinted young foliage and scented flowers makes it a clear choice for border fronts and cutting beds.

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 'Hidcote Purple' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.8 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers
Native to: Central and eastern Asia
Fragrance: Mild to moderate

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple'

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 'Hidcote Purple'?

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 'Hidcote Purple'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' 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 'Hidcote Purple'?

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 'Hidcote Purple' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Hidcote Purple' 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 'Hidcote Purple'?

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 →