Paeonia potaninii (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia potaninii 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 potaninii 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 China.

About

Paeonia potaninii is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony reaching around 0.6 m. It bears deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade and is sheltered from harsh exposure.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia delavayi

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 potaninii is a clump-forming perennial in the Paeoniaceae, native to China and growing to roughly 0.6 m. The foliage is deeply divided and often shows a bronze flush on young shoots; flowering takes place in May to June. The combination of divided leaves and early-season bloom time gives the plant two distinct seasons of interest. Grow Paeonia potaninii in deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline reaction, keeping the soil moist but well drained. It prefers full sun to partial shade, will tolerate any aspect except deep shade, and benefits from a sheltered siting that avoids exposure. Avoid early morning sun on frosted buds to reduce the risk of frost damage to emerging shoots. Hardiness is H6–H7, meaning the plant is very hardy to fully hardy across most of the UK (USDA zones 3–8). At about 0.6 m tall it suits the front or middle of mixed perennial beds and sheltered borders where it can be paired with other perennials that enjoy similar soil conditions. Note the young bronze-tinted foliage, which provides colour ahead of the May–June blooms.

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 potaninii 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: China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia potaninii

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 potaninii?

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 potaninii?

Paeonia potaninii prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia potaninii need?

Paeonia potaninii 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 potaninii?

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 potaninii grow?

Paeonia potaninii reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia potaninii hardy in the UK?

Paeonia potaninii 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 potaninii?

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 →