Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides 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 var. trollioides 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 var. trollioides is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided leaves that are often bronze‑flushed when young. It grows to about 0.6 m and is deciduous, producing its flowers in May to June. Give it full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot on deep, fertile loam or clay, neutral to slightly alkaline soil that remains moist but drains freely.

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

Native to China, Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides sits in the Paeoniaceae as a compact, clump-forming perennial. It typically reaches around 0.6 m and carries finely divided foliage that frequently shows a bronze flush on emerging shoots; flowering takes place from May to June. The plant suits borders and sheltered mixed-planting schemes where it can be seen at close quarters. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay amended only if the soil is very poor, and aim for a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Position it in full sun to partial shade but avoid deep shade; also try not to expose buds to early morning sun on frosted mornings, as late freezes can damage emerging shoots. It prefers soil that stays moist but is well drained and benefits from a sheltered aspect out of strong winds. Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides is winter-hardy in UK terms from H6 to H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 3–8, so it tolerates cold winters where roots are insulated. Use it where its divided, bronze‑tinged leaves can be appreciated in spring as the shoots unfold.

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 var. trollioides 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 var. trollioides

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 var. trollioides?

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 var. trollioides?

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

What soil does Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides need?

Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides 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 var. trollioides?

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 var. trollioides grow?

Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides hardy in the UK?

Paeonia potaninii var. trollioides 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 var. trollioides?

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 →