Paeonia russii var. reverchoni (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia russii var. reverchoni 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 var. reverchoni 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 var. reverchoni is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the peony family with deeply divided leaves that often flush bronze when young. It blooms in May to June. Plants favour a sheltered site in full sun to partial shade and perform best in deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline and moist but well drained.

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

A member of the Paeoniaceae, Paeonia russii var. reverchoni forms an upright clump of deciduous, deeply divided foliage which frequently shows a bronze flush on new growth. Flowering occurs in May to June, providing a spring display before the main summer herbaceous season. The leaves die back in autumn as the plant enters dormancy. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH; the root system prefers moisture but will not tolerate waterlogged soil, so ensure good drainage. Sitings in full sun to partial shade suit this peony, but avoid deep shade and choose a sheltered position to protect shoots and stems from strong winds. Take particular care over aspect: do not expose buds to direct early-morning sun on frosted mornings, as that combination increases the risk of bud damage. Hardiness falls in the H6–H7 range (very hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8, so it withstands severe UK winters when planted in a suitable site. In a garden layout place the clump where its upright habit and spring bloom can be seen — for example at the rear of a herbaceous border or beside taller shrubs that do not cast dense shade. Positioning to reduce early-morning frost exposure will help preserve the spring buds on this specific variety.

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 var. reverchoni 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 var. reverchoni

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 var. reverchoni?

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 var. reverchoni?

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

What soil does Paeonia russii var. reverchoni need?

Paeonia russii var. reverchoni 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 var. reverchoni?

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 var. reverchoni hardy in the UK?

Paeonia russii var. reverchoni 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 var. reverchoni?

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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