About
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to around 75cm high, with strong stems and divided green leaves. Large, densely double flowers are produced in early summer, with petals opening pale yellow-green, and maturing to cream with touches of peach at the base.
About the genus
Paeonia may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous sub-shrubs with large, divided leaves and showy large bowl-shaped flowers, usually in early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
ToxicityPets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, rich, well-drained soil, ideally in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Will not tolerate waterlogging. Intersectional peonies will not usually need staking. See herbaceous peony cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningCut back to ground level in autumn, to remove dead foliage and reduce the risk of disease
PropagationPropagate by division, lifting and dividing established clumps in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and swift moth caterpillar
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch, peony wilt and virus diseases