Paeonia russii (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia russii 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 russii 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.

About

Paeonia russii is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. It produces its flowers in May to June. Best sited in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Give a sheltered spot and avoid early morning sun on frosted buds.

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 russii belongs to the genus Paeonia in the family Paeoniaceae and grows as a deciduous, clump-forming perennial with an upright habit. The foliage is deeply divided and often shows a bronze flush on young shoots; flowering takes place in May to June. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline and remains moist but well drained. Site plants in full sun to partial shade, avoiding deep shade; a sheltered aspect will protect buds from late spring exposure. Avoid locations where early morning sun will strike buds that have been frost-affected, as this can cause damage to emerging flowers. In UK gardens it suits situations where upright clumps and late-spring blooms can be appreciated, such as borders or sheltered beds. Hardiness is H6–H7 — very hardy to fully hardy — corresponding with USDA zones 3–8, so it withstands typical winter conditions across much of the UK. Expect upright groups of divided, bronze-tinged foliage that precede the May–June blooms, making the seasonal sequence of foliage then flowers easy to plan around other late-spring plants.

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 russii size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia russii

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 russii?

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 russii?

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

What soil does Paeonia russii need?

Paeonia russii 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 russii?

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 russii hardy in the UK?

Paeonia russii 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 russii?

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

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