Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' 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 'Phyllis Prichard' 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.

About

Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony in the Paeoniaceae grown for its late-spring flowering. It reaches about 0.6 m and carries deciduous, deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze‑flushed when young. Flowering takes place in May to June. It prefers full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline, moist but well‑drained soil and a sheltered position.

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

A member of the Paeoniaceae, Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' is an upright, clump-forming perennial that produces its flower display in May to June. The plant typically reaches around 0.6 m and shows deeply divided, deciduous foliage which is often bronze‑flushed in spring; the upright habit suits a formal or herbaceous setting. Site this peony where it receives full sun to partial shade; it tolerates any aspect except deep shade and should be protected from strong winds, in particular avoiding early morning sun on frosted buds. It prefers deep, fertile loam or heavy clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline reaction and a moisture balance that is moist but well drained. Hardiness is H6–H7 — very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms — and it also corresponds to USDA zones 3–8. Use Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' towards the middle or back of herbaceous borders, in mixed perennial beds or beside structural shrubs that provide shelter through the winter. Allow space for the clump to expand and avoid planting where water collects over winter. Expect the May–June flowers to be followed by the divided, bronze‑flushed foliage carrying the plant through the summer before autumn dieback.

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 'Phyllis Prichard' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.6 m

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard'

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 'Phyllis Prichard'?

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 'Phyllis Prichard'?

Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' 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 'Phyllis Prichard'?

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 'Phyllis Prichard' grow?

Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 'Phyllis Prichard' 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 'Phyllis Prichard'?

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 →