Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' (Common Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' 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 'Albo Plena' 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 and cut flowers. It is native to Southern Europe.

About

Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' is a clump-forming, upright perennial that flowers in late spring (May to June). It grows to about 0.6 m and has deciduous, deeply divided foliage often flushed bronze when young. The blooms are mildly fragrant. Place it in a sheltered position with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

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

Originating from southern Europe, Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' is a herbaceous perennial that produces its main display in May to June. The plant forms a neat clump to roughly 0.6 m and carries deeply divided leaves which frequently show a bronze flush as they emerge. The flowers have a mild scent and have long been used for cutting. Give this peony a position in full sun to partial shade but avoid deep shade; it performs best where it receives strong light but is sheltered from exposed winds. Plant into deep, fertile loam or clay that remains moist yet drains freely, and aim for a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It is winter-hardy to H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and also suits USDA zones 3–8; protect young shoots from frost damage by avoiding planting where they will catch early morning sun on frosted mornings. Use Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' in mixed herbaceous borders or as a source of cut flowers. A sheltered border position keeps the stems upright and the blooms intact; cut stems at the first open flowers in May to June to bring the mild fragrance indoors.

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 'Albo Plena' 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
Native to: Southern Europe
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena'

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 'Albo Plena'?

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 'Albo Plena'?

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

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' 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 'Albo Plena'?

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 'Albo Plena' grow?

Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 'Albo Plena' 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 'Albo Plena'?

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

Browse all Paeonia →