Paeonia officinalis 'J. C. Weguelin' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'J. C. Weguelin' 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 'J. C. Weguelin' 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 'J. C. Weguelin' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. It grows to about 0.6 m and flowers in May to June. The foliage is deciduous and the plant prefers a sheltered position out of deep shade. Plant where soil is deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH and remains moist but well drained.

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 'J. C. Weguelin' belongs to the Paeoniaceae and originates from southern Europe. As a clump-forming herbaceous perennial it produces deciduous, deeply divided leaves which often carry a bronze flush when they first emerge; flowering occurs in the UK from May to June. Give it full sun to partial shade on a sheltered site and avoid deep shade or exposure to early morning sun when buds may be frosted. Rooting and crown development need deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; the soil should hold moisture yet be free-draining so the crown does not sit in water. In UK hardiness terms it is H6–H7, very hardy to fully hardy, so it withstands typical winter conditions across most garden locations. At about 0.6 m tall and with an upright, clump-forming habit it suits mixed herbaceous borders or a sunny bed where it will not be shaded by taller plants. Position plants where the flowering period in late spring can be enjoyed alongside bulbs or other perennials that favour similar soil and light. Expect the young bronze-flushed leaves to appear before and during the May–June flowering, giving the plant a distinctive spring sequence.

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 'J. C. Weguelin' 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 'J. C. Weguelin'

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 'J. C. Weguelin'?

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 'J. C. Weguelin'?

Paeonia officinalis 'J. C. Weguelin' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'J. C. Weguelin' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'J. C. Weguelin' 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 'J. C. Weguelin'?

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 'J. C. Weguelin' grow?

Paeonia officinalis 'J. C. Weguelin' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis 'J. C. Weguelin' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 'J. C. Weguelin' 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 'J. C. Weguelin'?

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

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