Overview
Paeonia mlokosewitschii 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 mlokosewitschii 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, rock gardens and woodland gardens. It is native to Caucasus Mountains (Azerbaijan, Georgia and Dagestan).
About
Paeonia mlokosewitschii is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in May to June and carries a mild, sweet fragrance. Its foliage is deciduous and deeply divided, often flushed bronze when young. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay in full sun to partial shade, keeping soil moist but well drained and choosing a sheltered spot away from early morning sun on frosted buds. It tolerates UK winters as very hardy to fully hardy (H6–H7) and suits borders, rock gardens or woodland sites.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii
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
Native to the Caucasus Mountains (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Dagestan), Paeonia mlokosewitschii forms an upright, clump-forming perennial that flowers in May to June and carries a mild, sweet fragrance. Leaves are deeply divided and deciduous, frequently showing a bronze flush when young, which helps it sit well alongside spring bulbs and early perennials. Give it full sun to partial shade on a deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Soil should be moist but well drained; choose a sheltered aspect and avoid exposing buds to early morning sun when frost is possible, as this can damage emerging flowers. Its hardiness rating of H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) means it will withstand typical UK winters across most regions when planted in a protected spot. Paeonia mlokosewitschii works effectively in mixed borders, rock gardens or under open woodland canopy where its upright habit provides early‑summer structure. Plant where the fragrance and May–June blooms can be enjoyed at close range, for example beside a path or seating area where the scent is noticeable during flowering.
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 mlokosewitschii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, woodland gardens
- Native to
- Caucasus Mountains (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Dagestan)
- Fragrance
- Mild, sweet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia mlokosewitschii
- 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 mlokosewitschii?
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 mlokosewitschii?
Paeonia mlokosewitschii prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia mlokosewitschii need?
Paeonia mlokosewitschii 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 mlokosewitschii?
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 mlokosewitschii hardy in the UK?
Paeonia mlokosewitschii 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 mlokosewitschii?
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
- 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)
