Paeonia officinalis (common peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 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 0.6 m tall. Paeonia officinalis 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, cut flowers and garden specimen. It is native to Europe.

About

Paeonia officinalis is a clump-forming, upright perennial valued for its scented spring blooms and divided, often bronze‑flushed foliage. It grows to around 0.6 m with deciduous leaves that appear deeply divided and frequently bronze-tinted when young. Flowering takes place in May to June. Plants are best set in a sheltered spot out of deep shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia officinalis

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 officinalis is a perennial from Europe that forms a compact, upright clump to about 0.6 m. The plant has deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze‑flushed when young and carries scented flowers in late spring. Flowering is confined to May to June. Give common peony a position in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should be moist but well drained and the plant benefits from a sheltered exposure; avoid siting it in deep shade and take care to avoid early morning sun on frosted buds. In UK hardiness terms it is H6–H7, which translates to very hardy to fully hardy across the British climate. Use Paeonia officinalis as a border specimen, for scented cut flowers or as a focal garden plant where its spring blooms can be appreciated. Allow the foliage to develop fully before any winter clearance so the crown can remain undisturbed. Be aware the plant can be a skin irritant to dogs and cats; for further information and contact numbers see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Flowering occurs in May to June.

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 officinalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.6 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, garden specimen
Native to: Europe
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 officinalis

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 officinalis?

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 officinalis?

Paeonia officinalis prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia officinalis need?

Paeonia officinalis 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 officinalis?

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 officinalis grow?

Paeonia officinalis reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 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 officinalis?

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 officinalis 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 →