Paeonia officinalis 'Red Ensign' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Red Ensign' 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 'Red Ensign' 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 'Red Ensign' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in May to June. It forms divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young and reaches about 0.6 m high. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay that is moist but well drained, in full sun to partial shade and a sheltered position. Avoid sites where early morning sun falls 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 'Red Ensign' belongs to the genus Paeonia in the family Paeoniaceae and grows as a clump-forming, upright perennial to roughly 0.6 m. The foliage is deciduous and the young shoots are often bronze-flushed, while flowering occurs in May to June. The plant suits classic herbaceous planting where a stable clump can be allowed to establish over years. Choose a deep, fertile loam or clay that holds moisture yet drains; excessively shallow or stony soils limit root development. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline. Position in full sun to partial shade but give a sheltered site and avoid exposure to strong early morning sun on frosted buds, which can damage emerging shoots and flowers. In UK hardiness terms the rating H6–H7 indicates the plant is very hardy to fully hardy and will tolerate cold winters across most gardens. At about 0.6 m it works well within mixed perennial borders or as a specimen among lower-growing perennials where its spring display sits above neighbouring foliage. Note the young foliage’s bronze flush when selecting a site, and choose a spot free of lingering frosts to protect early growth on 'Red Ensign'.

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 'Red Ensign' 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 'Red Ensign'

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 'Red Ensign'?

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 'Red Ensign'?

Paeonia officinalis 'Red Ensign' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Red Ensign' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Red Ensign' 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 'Red Ensign'?

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 'Red Ensign' grow?

Paeonia officinalis 'Red Ensign' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis 'Red Ensign' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 'Red Ensign' 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 'Red Ensign'?

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 →