Paeonia obovata var. alba (obovate peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia obovata var. alba 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 0.5 m tall. Paeonia obovata var. alba 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. It is native to Temperate Asia.

About

Paeonia obovata var. alba is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that produces scented flowers in May–June. It reaches about 0.5 m and has deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Plants prefer full sun to partial shade and die back after the season. Give a sheltered spot and avoid early-morning sun on frosted buds.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia obovata

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 obovata var. alba is a compact, clump-forming perennial from temperate Asia that flowers in the UK from May to June, the blooms carrying a noticeable scent. Above-ground growth dies back in autumn and the plant overwinters with buds close to the soil surface; it typically reaches around 0.5 m. Position it where it gets full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot and avoid deep shade; do not expose emerging buds to sharp early-morning sun if frost is still possible. It prefers a deep, fertile loam or clay that is moist but well drained and leans to neutral or slightly alkaline pH. In UK hardiness terms it sits in H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), so it will withstand cold winters across most gardens. Use it at the front of a mixed or herbaceous border where its upright clump habit and bronze-flushed young foliage are visible. Note that peonies can be a skin irritant to pets; for further information and contact numbers see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Protect tender buds after late frosts rather than forcing premature growth.

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 obovata var. alba size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.5 m
Native to: Temperate Asia
Fragrance: Flower
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 obovata var. alba

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 obovata var. alba?

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 obovata var. alba?

Paeonia obovata var. alba prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia obovata var. alba need?

Paeonia obovata var. alba 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 obovata var. alba?

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 obovata var. alba grow?

Paeonia obovata var. alba reaches a height of 0.5 m.

Is Paeonia obovata var. alba hardy in the UK?

Paeonia obovata var. alba 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 obovata var. alba?

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 obovata var. alba 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

Browse all Paeonia →