Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe' 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 'Crimson Globe' 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 'Crimson Globe' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in May to June. It grows to about 0.6 m and bears deeply divided leaves often bronze-flushed when young. The blooms carry a mild fragrance and suit cutting for vases. Plant in a sheltered position away from 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 'Crimson Globe' is a perennial from Southern Europe cultivated for its spring flowers and architectural clump habit. The plant forms an upright mound to roughly 0.6 m and drops its divided foliage each winter; young growth is frequently bronze-tinged. Flowering occurs in May to June and the blooms have a mild scent that works well in informal and formal arrangements alike. Give Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe' a sunny to part-shade position in deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Soil should remain moist but be well drained; avoid planting where water stands in winter. Choose a sheltered site and keep the plant out of deep shade; the buds can be damaged if exposed to early morning sun on frosted mornings. The hardiness rating H6–H7 means it tolerates very cold UK winters and is suitable for outdoor planting across most gardens where exposure is moderate. Use this peony in mixed borders where a 0.6 m upright clump fits between taller and lower neighbours, or grow it specifically for cutting. Stems taken when flowers open will bring the plant’s mild fragrance indoors and allow you to use individual blooms as focal stems in vases.

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 'Crimson Globe' 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: Mild

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe'

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 'Crimson Globe'?

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 'Crimson Globe'?

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

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe' 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 'Crimson Globe'?

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 'Crimson Globe' grow?

Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 'Crimson Globe' 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 'Crimson Globe'?

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 →