Paeonia tenuifolia (fernleaf peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia tenuifolia 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 tenuifolia 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 Serbia to Caucasus.

About

Paeonia tenuifolia is a herbaceous, clump-forming perennial notable for its finely divided, fern-like foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. It has an upright habit and is deciduous, with flowers appearing in May to June. Grow in full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay that is moist but well drained, on neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Give a sheltered position and avoid early-morning sun on frosted buds.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia tenuifolia

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 tenuifolia belongs to the family Paeoniaceae and is native from Serbia to the Caucasus. Its key feature is the very narrow, finely divided foliage that forms a textured clump in the border; leaves often show a bronze flush as they emerge. Flowering occurs in May to June, when single blooms sit above the foliage. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should remain moist but well drained; waterlogging will undermine the crown. Give a sheltered spot—exposed sites can stress shoots—and avoid planting where early-morning sun will strike buds that have suffered an overnight frost. In UK hardiness terms it is H6–H7, which translates to very hardy to fully hardy across most British gardens when sited out of cold winds. Use Paeonia tenuifolia where its fern-like leaves can be appreciated through late spring and early summer: between structural perennials, with early-flowering bulbs, or as part of a gravel or herbaceous border that offers shelter. Note that the plant can be a skin irritant to dogs and cats; for detailed guidance and emergency contacts consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Choose a tucked, protected nook so tender emerging foliage is not hit by frosts followed by bright morning sun.

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 tenuifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Native to: Serbia to Caucasus
Toxicity: Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia tenuifolia

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 tenuifolia?

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 tenuifolia?

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

What soil does Paeonia tenuifolia need?

Paeonia tenuifolia 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 tenuifolia?

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 tenuifolia hardy in the UK?

Paeonia tenuifolia 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 tenuifolia?

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.

Is Paeonia tenuifolia toxic?

Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Paeonia genus

Browse all Paeonia →