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

Overview

Paeonia officinalis 'Splendens' 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 'Splendens' 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 'Splendens' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in May to June. It grows to about 0.6 m and has deciduous, deeply divided leaves that are often bronze-flushed when young. Plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay that is moist but well drained, in a sheltered position and away from deep shade. Avoid early-morning sun on frosted buds to protect developing flowers.

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 herbaceous perennial from Southern Europe, Paeonia officinalis 'Splendens' sits in the family Paeoniaceae and is grown for its concentrated late-spring display in May–June. The plants form upright clumps to roughly 0.6 m with deciduous, deeply divided foliage that frequently shows a bronze flush when young. Site it in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; soil should remain moist but be well drained. Give a sheltered exposure and avoid placing it in deep shade; also try to prevent early-morning sun on frosted buds, which can cause bud damage. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), and the USDA range is 3–8, so it tolerates typical UK winter conditions when not exposed to driving winds or prolonged frost on budding shoots. At about 0.6 m tall, this peony suits the front to mid-height of a perennial border or a sheltered sunny bed where its spring flowers can be seen at close range. After flowering the foliage continues to provide interest, the young leaves often bearing a bronze tint distinct to this selection.

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 'Splendens' 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 'Splendens'

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 'Splendens'?

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 'Splendens'?

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

What soil does Paeonia officinalis 'Splendens' need?

Paeonia officinalis 'Splendens' 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 'Splendens'?

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 'Splendens' grow?

Paeonia officinalis 'Splendens' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia officinalis 'Splendens' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia officinalis 'Splendens' 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 'Splendens'?

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 →