Paeonia 'Little Dorrit' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia 'Little Dorrit' 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 'Little Dorrit' 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, containers and cut flowers.

About

Paeonia 'Little Dorrit' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided foliage that is often bronze-flushed when young. It blooms in May to June, carrying a mild fragrance. Plants suit a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Stems also make good cut flowers.

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 'Little Dorrit' is a clump-forming perennial in the Paeoniaceae, valued for its finely divided, often bronze-tinted young foliage and May–June flowering. The blooms have a mild scent and appear on upright stems from a deciduous base, making the plant an obvious choice where both foliage texture and cut flowers are wanted. Position plants 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. Give a sheltered site away from deep shade and avoid placing shoots where they will catch early morning sun on frosted mornings. It is winter-hardy to H6–H7, meaning it tolerates very to fully hardy UK conditions, and is also suitable within USDA zones 3–8. Paeonia 'Little Dorrit' works well in mixed herbaceous borders, in larger containers where soil depth is adequate, and as a source of cut flowers. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so the crown can regenerate for the following season, and take care to site plants where young buds are not exposed to frost-lit morning sun.

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 'Little Dorrit' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Suggested uses: Borders, Containers, Cut flowers
Fragrance: Mild

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia 'Little Dorrit'

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 'Little Dorrit'?

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 'Little Dorrit'?

Paeonia 'Little Dorrit' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia 'Little Dorrit' need?

Paeonia 'Little Dorrit' 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 'Little Dorrit'?

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 'Little Dorrit' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'Little Dorrit' 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 'Little Dorrit'?

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 →