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

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Mutabilis 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 'Mutabilis 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. It is native to Southern Europe.

About

Paeonia officinalis 'Mutabilis Plena' is an upright, clump-forming perennial peony reaching about 0.6 m. It carries deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering is in May to June. Plants perform best in sheltered spots with full sun to partial 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 'Mutabilis Plena' is a garden peony originating from southern Europe and grown as a herbaceous perennial. It forms an upright clump to around 0.6 m with deciduous, deeply divided foliage often showing a bronze flush in spring, and produces its flowers in May to June. Avoid exposing early-season buds to direct frosty morning sun, which can damage emerging blooms. Plant into a deep, fertile loam or clay that is moist but drains freely; the cultivar prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Sit it where it receives full sun or partial shade and is protected from strong winds—exposure should be sheltered rather than exposed. In UK hardiness terms it sits between H6 (very hardy) and H7 (fully hardy), so it tolerates typical winter conditions across most of the country when sited appropriately. Use Paeonia officinalis 'Mutabilis Plena' as a mid-border perennial where a compact, upright clump will not be overwhelmed by taller neighbours. The early bronze-tinged foliage gives season-long interest even before the May–June blooms open, so position it where that spring colour can be seen close to paths or patios.

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 'Mutabilis 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
Native to: Southern Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia officinalis 'Mutabilis 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 'Mutabilis 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 'Mutabilis Plena'?

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

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Mutabilis Plena' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Mutabilis 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 'Mutabilis 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 'Mutabilis Plena' grow?

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

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

Paeonia officinalis 'Mutabilis 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 'Mutabilis 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 →