Overview
Paeonia 'Paula Fay' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Paeonia 'Paula Fay' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Paeonia 'Paula Fay' is a robust herbaceous perennial that grows upright and bushy. Its finely dissected dark green leaves are touched with red in the spring. In late spring, it produces erect stems adorned with semi-double, saucer-shaped flowers. These vibrant pink blooms are characterized by their crinkled petals and possess a pleasant spicy fragrance.
About the genus
Paeonia includes herbaceous perennials and deciduous sub-shrubs characterized by their broad, lobed leaves and prominent, bowl-shaped blossoms that typically appear in early summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Paeonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Paeonia 'Paula Fay' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- 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 'Paula Fay'
- Cultivation
- Will grow well in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. See herbaceous peony cultivation for more details.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and cut back foliage in autumn when it dies back
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in autumn and early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Paeonia 'Paula Fay'?
Will grow well in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. See herbaceous peony cultivation for more details.
Where is the best place to plant Paeonia 'Paula Fay'?
Paeonia 'Paula Fay' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia 'Paula Fay' need?
Paeonia 'Paula Fay' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Paeonia 'Paula Fay'?
Remove spent flowers and cut back foliage in autumn when it dies back.
How big does Paeonia 'Paula Fay' grow?
Paeonia 'Paula Fay' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Paeonia 'Paula Fay' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia 'Paula Fay' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Paeonia 'Paula Fay'?
Propagate by division in autumn and early spring.
Is Paeonia 'Paula Fay' toxic?
Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.