Paeonia officinalis 'Paradoxa Rosea' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Paradoxa Rosea' 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 'Paradoxa Rosea' 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 'Paradoxa Rosea' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided leaves that are often bronze-flushed when young. It reaches about 0.6 m and is deciduous. Flowering occurs in May to June. Plant it where it will receive full sun to partial shade and shelter from exposed conditions.

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 'Paradoxa Rosea' is a perennial member of the Paeoniaceae from southern Europe, grown for its herbaceous, clump-forming habit and divided foliage which commonly shows a bronze flush as the season begins. It dies back to the ground each winter and re-emerges in spring, producing its seasonal display in May to June. Give the plant a deep, fertile loam or clay soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and ensure soil remains moist but well drained; poor drainage invites crown rot. Position it in full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot and avoid exposing flower buds to early morning sun when frost is likely, as that can damage emerging blooms. Hardiness ratings H6–H7 indicate it tolerates typical UK winters (very hardy to fully hardy), and it also fits USDA zones 3–8. Expect a compact clump of about 0.6 m high; leave space for foliage to open and reveal its bronze-tinged young leaves. In the garden, place it where spring colour is required near the front or middle of a border, or beneath a protective wall where winter exposure is reduced, and allow the foliage to die back naturally before winter mulch is applied.

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 'Paradoxa Rosea' 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 'Paradoxa Rosea'

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 'Paradoxa Rosea'?

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 'Paradoxa Rosea'?

Paeonia officinalis 'Paradoxa Rosea' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Paradoxa Rosea' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Paradoxa Rosea' 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 'Paradoxa Rosea'?

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 'Paradoxa Rosea' grow?

Paeonia officinalis 'Paradoxa Rosea' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis 'Paradoxa Rosea' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 'Paradoxa Rosea' 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 'Paradoxa Rosea'?

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 →