Overview
Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose' 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 'China Rose' 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 Southern Europe.
About
Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in May to June. It reaches around 0.6 m and carries deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. Best placed in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Give a sheltered position and avoid early morning sun on frosted buds.
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 'China Rose' is a herbaceous perennial native to southern Europe and grown for its late-spring display. It forms an upright clump to about 0.6 m and produces its main show in May to June. Young foliage often shows a bronze flush before maturing. Plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay, keeping soil moist but well drained and favouring neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Position it where it will be sheltered from strong winds and avoid sites that receive early morning sun when frost is likely, as buds can be damaged by a quick thaw. In the UK it sits between very hardy and fully hardy (H6–H7), and will also grow across USDA zones 3–8. Use 'China Rose' where a spring focal point is wanted in a mixed border or an architectural perennial bed; its upright habit suits middle or rear positions at around 0.6 m. The young bronze-tinged leaves provide useful early-season colour ahead of the flowering period.
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 'China Rose' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- Southern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose'
- 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 'China Rose'?
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 'China Rose'?
Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose' need?
Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose' 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 'China Rose'?
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 'China Rose' grow?
Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose' reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia officinalis 'China Rose' 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 'China Rose'?
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)
