Overview
Paeonia peregrina 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. Paeonia peregrina 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 Italy to Moldova and Turkey.
About
Paeonia peregrina is an upright, clump-forming perennial with deeply divided leaves that are often bronze-flushed when young. The foliage dies back over winter and re‑emerges in spring. Flowering takes place in May to June. It prefers full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay and a sheltered position.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia peregrina
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 peregrina is a herbaceous perennial from Italy through to Moldova and Turkey, forming an upright clump of deeply divided, deciduous foliage that frequently shows a bronze tinge on new growth. It produces its leaves in spring and flowers in May to June before dying back for winter. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline and remains moist but well drained. Give it a sunny to part-shade site with shelter from exposed winds; the species is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and will tolerate typical UK winters when sited sensibly. Avoid locations of deep shade and take care to place plants where early morning sun cannot strike frost‑touched buds. Use Paeonia peregrina in a well-sited perennial or mixed border where a sheltered, sunny pocket is available; it also suits sunny sites with good soil structure. Keep in mind the foliage is deciduous and that contact can be a skin irritant to pets; for further information and contact numbers regarding animals consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Position plants to protect developing spring buds from frost and early morning sun.
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 peregrina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Native to
- Italy to Moldova and Turkey
- 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 peregrina
- 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 peregrina?
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 peregrina?
Paeonia peregrina prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia peregrina need?
Paeonia peregrina 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 peregrina?
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.
Is Paeonia peregrina hardy in the UK?
Paeonia peregrina 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 peregrina?
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 peregrina 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)
