Overview
Paeonia mollis 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 mollis 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 ornamental shrub, garden borders and specimen plant. It is native to Caucasus region.
About
Paeonia mollis is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony noted for its fragrant flowers that open in May to June. Foliage is deciduous and deeply divided, often flushed bronze when young. It prefers full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay of neutral to slightly alkaline reaction. Give a sheltered position and avoid early morning sun on frosted buds to protect emerging shoots.
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 mollis originates from the Caucasus region and is a member of the Paeoniaceae. As a clump-forming, upright perennial it carries deeply divided, deciduous leaves that frequently show a bronze flush when young and bears fragrant blooms in May to June. Plant in a position that receives full sun or partial shade; the species tolerates any aspect except deep shade. It prefers heavy, deep soils such as fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and benefits from soil that remains moist but drains freely. Choose a sheltered site — exposure should be protected from strong winds — and avoid planting where early morning sun hits frosted buds. Paeonia mollis is rated H6–H7 for UK hardiness (very hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8. Use it as a specimen or as a focal point in garden borders where its upright clumps and scented flowers can be appreciated at close range. The combination of divided, bronze-tinged foliage and fragrant May-to-June flowers makes the plant particularly effective where scent and structure are needed together.
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 mollis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental shrub, garden borders, specimen plant
- Native to
- Caucasus region
- Fragrance
- Fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia mollis
- 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 mollis?
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 mollis?
Paeonia mollis prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia mollis need?
Paeonia mollis 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 mollis?
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 mollis hardy in the UK?
Paeonia mollis 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 mollis?
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)
