Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine' 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 'Sunshine' 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 Southeastern Europe and Turkey.

About

Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine' is an upright, clump-forming perennial peony with deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. It is deciduous and forms a clear architectural mound of foliage each season. Plant it in a sheltered spot on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. In the UK it flowers from May to June.

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 'Sunshine' is a clump-forming perennial from southeastern Europe and Turkey, carrying the clear structure typical of species peonies and a foliage habit that is often bronze-tinged when young. Its upright form makes it distinct from more sprawling herbaceous perennials, and it offers a defined spring presence in the border. Choose a site in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay that stays moist but drains freely; neutral to slightly alkaline soil suits it best. It prefers a sheltered aspect—planting where it will not take full force of drying winds is beneficial, and avoid placing it where early morning sun strikes buds that are at risk of frost. In UK hardiness terms it ranges from very hardy to fully hardy (H6–H7), able to withstand typical winter conditions in most gardens. Position Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine' towards the middle or front of an herbaceous border or at the edge of a shrub bed where the upright clump can be seen and supported by neighbouring planting. Maintenance is minimal outside of ensuring consistent moisture in dry periods; the young leaves often flush bronze, giving useful early-season colour before the foliage matures.

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 'Sunshine' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Native to: Southeastern Europe, Turkey

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine'

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 'Sunshine'?

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 'Sunshine'?

Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine' need?

Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine' 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 'Sunshine'?

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 'Sunshine' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia peregrina 'Sunshine' 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 'Sunshine'?

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 →