Overview
Paeonia officinalis var. mascula 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 var. mascula 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 borders, cut flowers and ornamental garden plant. It is native to Europe.
About
Paeonia officinalis var. mascula is a clump-forming, upright perennial prized for its fragrant late-spring flowers. It typically reaches about 0.6 m and bears deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June. Plant in a sheltered spot in sun to partial shade and avoid early morning sun 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 var. mascula is a European native perennial that forms upright clumps and carries scented flowers in late spring. It has a history in cultivation as an ornamental species and remains valued where spring flower and foliage interest are required. The leaves are deeply divided and often show a bronze flush when young, offering season-long character as well as the May to June blooms. Give this peony a deep position in fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline soil reaction. It prefers moist but well-drained conditions and benefits from a sheltered aspect; avoid planting where early morning sun strikes frosted buds. It succeeds in full sun to partial shade and is rated H6–H7 for UK hardiness (very hardy to fully hardy), with USDA zones 3–8 compatibility. Use Paeonia officinalis var. mascula towards the back of a mixed border, as a cut-flower source in May and June, or as a focused specimen where its upright habit can be seen. Handle with care around pets, as the plant can be a skin irritant to dogs and cats; for further information and contact numbers see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. The bronze-tinted young foliage provides useful interest beyond the flowering period.
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 var. mascula 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
- Borders, cut flowers, ornamental garden plant
- Native to
- Europe
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia officinalis var. mascula
- 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 var. mascula?
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 var. mascula?
Paeonia officinalis var. mascula prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia officinalis var. mascula need?
Paeonia officinalis var. mascula 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 var. mascula?
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 var. mascula grow?
Paeonia officinalis var. mascula reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Paeonia officinalis var. mascula hardy in the UK?
Paeonia officinalis var. mascula 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 var. mascula?
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.
Is Paeonia officinalis var. mascula toxic?
Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
More in the Paeonia genus
- Paeoniapeony
- Paeonia 'Archangel'peony 'Archangel'
- Paeonia 'Chalice'Peony
- Paeonia 'Early Bird'Peony
- Paeonia 'Good Cheer'Peony
- Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
- Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
- Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)
