Overview
Paeonia 'Late Windflower' 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 'Late Windflower' 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, cottage gardens and mixed perennial beds.
About
Paeonia 'Late Windflower' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Paeoniaceae with deeply divided foliage often flushed bronze when young. It flowers in May to June and carries a light, sweet fragrance. Plants suit full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot and prefer deep, fertile loam or clay that is moist but well drained. Avoid sites with deep shade or where early-morning sun strikes 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 'Late Windflower' is a clump-forming perennial in the Paeoniaceae valued for its upright habit, divided leaves and light, sweet-scented flowers that appear in May to June. The foliage is deciduous and frequently shows a bronze flush on new growth, which provides seasonal contrast before the flowers open. Plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should remain moist but well drained; choose a sheltered position and avoid deep shade. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), so the plant will withstand UK winters in most areas when given protection from driving winds and waterlogged ground. Use Paeonia 'Late Windflower' in mixed perennial beds, cottage-style borders and as a source of cut flowers. Note that the foliage is deciduous and the shoots can be vulnerable to late frosts; avoid exposing buds to early-morning sun if frost is likely. Pets (dogs, cats): skin irritant; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
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 'Late Windflower' 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, mixed perennial beds
- Fragrance
- Light, sweet fragrance
- 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 'Late Windflower'
- 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 'Late Windflower'?
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 'Late Windflower'?
Paeonia 'Late Windflower' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia 'Late Windflower' need?
Paeonia 'Late Windflower' 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 'Late Windflower'?
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 'Late Windflower' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia 'Late Windflower' 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 'Late Windflower'?
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 'Late Windflower' 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)
