Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae 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. willmottiae 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 China and Japan.

About

Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony growing to about 0.5 m. It has deeply divided, deciduous foliage that is often bronze-flushed when young and produces fragrant flowers in May to June. Sow or plant in deep, fertile loam or clay that remains moist but drains, in full sun to partial shade. Choose a sheltered position and avoid exposing buds to early morning sun when frosts are likely.

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. willmottiae is a compact perennial in the Paeoniaceae that originates from China and Japan. It forms a steady upright clump to roughly 0.5 m and is noted for its divided leaves which frequently show a bronze flush as they emerge; the flowers are fragrant and appear in May to June. It prefers deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and soil that stays moist but is well drained. Sitings range from full sun to partial shade, but avoid deep shade and take care to protect buds from direct early morning sun during frosts. The plant performs best in a sheltered spot and is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) in the UK and USDA zones 3–8. Use Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae at the front or middle of a mixed border, where its scent and early-leaf colour can be appreciated, or alongside sheltered paths and patios. Keep pets away from foliage and sap, as it can be a skin irritant; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Position plants so the scented blooms in May to June can be enjoyed at close range.

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. willmottiae 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: China, Japan
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. willmottiae

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. willmottiae?

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. willmottiae?

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

What soil does Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae need?

Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae 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. willmottiae?

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. willmottiae grow?

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

Is Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae hardy in the UK?

Paeonia obovata var. willmottiae 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. willmottiae?

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. willmottiae 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 →