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

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Superba 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 'Rosea Superba 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 'Rosea Superba Plena' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that reaches about 0.6 m. It has deeply divided, deciduous foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. Plants prefer full sun to partial shade and flower in May to June. Give it deep, fertile loam or clay that is moist but well drained in a sheltered spot.

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 'Rosea Superba Plena' is a garden peony originating from southern Europe and grown for its spring display. As a clump-forming perennial it reaches roughly 0.6 m and produces its main display in May to June. The leaves are deeply divided and commonly show a bronze flush when they first emerge. Position it in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should hold moisture yet drain freely around the crown; avoid waterlogged winter conditions. Give a sheltered site where plants are not exposed to harsh winds and take care to avoid placing it where early morning sun will strike buds that are still frosted. Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Superba Plena' sits well in the middle of a herbaceous border or among mixed perennials at the front to centre of a bed, where its 0.6 m height will not overpower lower companions. It is suitable across most of the UK where conditions match H6–H7 ratings (very hardy to fully hardy). The bronze tint of new foliage provides an additional early-season feature before the leaves mature.

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 'Rosea Superba 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 'Rosea Superba 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 'Rosea Superba 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 'Rosea Superba Plena'?

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

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Superba Plena' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Superba 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 'Rosea Superba 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 'Rosea Superba Plena' grow?

Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Superba Plena' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Superba Plena' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Superba 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 'Rosea Superba 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 →