Paeonia 'Rose Garland' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia 'Rose Garland' 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 'Rose Garland' 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. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens and perennial beds.

About

Paeonia 'Rose Garland' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that bears mildly fragrant flowers in May to June. Its foliage is deeply divided and frequently flushed bronze when young, emerging before the blooms. It prefers a sheltered site in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Avoid early morning sun on frosted buds to protect opening flowers.

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 'Rose Garland' is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Paeoniaceae, grown for its mildly fragrant spring flowers and attractive, divided foliage. Flowering occurs in May to June, and young shoots often show a bronze flush that adds early-season colour before the leaves fully develop. Plant in a sheltered spot that receives full sun or partial shade, avoiding deep shade where flowering will suffer. The peony favours deep, fertile loam or clay, neutral to slightly alkaline soils and a moisture regime that is consistently moist but well drained; avoid waterlogging. The position should also avoid early morning sun on frosted buds, which can damage opening flowers. Paeonia 'Rose Garland' suits mixed borders, cottage gardens and perennial beds, and the stems make excellent cut flowers. Its H6–H7 rating means it is very hardy to fully hardy across the UK, tolerating typical winter conditions when planted in an appropriate soil and aspect. Sit it where taller plants will not shade the crown and where a sheltered exposure will protect flower stems from strong winds, so its spring display and vase potential are preserved.

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 'Rose Garland' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens, perennial beds
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia 'Rose Garland'

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 'Rose Garland'?

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 'Rose Garland'?

Paeonia 'Rose Garland' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia 'Rose Garland' need?

Paeonia 'Rose Garland' 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 'Rose Garland'?

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 'Rose Garland' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'Rose Garland' 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 'Rose Garland'?

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 →