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

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Rubra 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 'Rubra 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. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and coastal. It is native to Southern Europe.

About

Paeonia officinalis 'Rubra Plena' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that reaches about 0.6 m. It has deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are often bronze-flushed when young and produces its flowers in May to June. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade and where soil is deep and fertile.

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 cultivar of the common peony, Paeonia officinalis 'Rubra Plena' originates from Southern Europe and sits in the family Paeoniaceae. It forms a compact upright clump to around 0.6 m with divided, deciduous foliage that frequently shows a bronze flush on young growth. Flowering takes place in May to June. Position it in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; the soil should remain moist but be well drained. Give the plant a sheltered spot and avoid deep shade; buds are vulnerable if exposed to early morning sun when frosts occur. Hardiness is H6–H7, which equates to very hardy to fully hardy in most parts of the UK. Use Paeonia officinalis 'Rubra Plena' where a 0.6 m, upright perennial sits well — a mixed herbaceous border centre or alongside a sheltered wall are typical locations. Its seasonal dieback means it leaves a clear space through summer, so plan neighbouring plants accordingly. Avoid early-morning sun on frosted buds to protect the May–June flowers.

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 'Rubra 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
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native to: Southern Europe

Care notes

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

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

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Rubra Plena' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Rubra 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 'Rubra 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 'Rubra Plena' grow?

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

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

Paeonia officinalis 'Rubra 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 'Rubra 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 →