Paeonia tenuifolia 'Plena' (peony fern-leaf 'Plena') — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia tenuifolia 'Plena' 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 'Plena' 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 Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea coast of Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and northwestern Kazakhstan.

About

Paeonia tenuifolia 'Plena' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony notable for its finely divided, fern-like foliage. The leaves are deciduous and frequently bronze-flushed when young. It bears scented flowers in May to June. Best grown in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with consistent moisture but good drainage.

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 'Plena' is a fern‑leaf peony from the steppes and foothills of the Caucasus and the Black Sea region, with wild populations extending into Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and north‑western Kazakhstan. Its deeply divided leaves give a distinctive, threadlike texture in the herbaceous border and often show a bronze tint on new growth; the blooms are scented and appear in May to June. Plant where it receives full sun or light afternoon shade and where the soil is deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Keep soil moist but well drained; a sheltered position reduces wind damage to the fine foliage and helps protect early buds. Avoid sites that get strong early‑morning sun when frosts are possible, as buds can be vulnerable. Paeonia tenuifolia 'Plena' suits a sunny mixed border or a sheltered herbaceous front line where its scent can be appreciated at close range. It is rated H6–H7 for UK hardiness (very hardy to fully hardy), so it tolerates typical cold winters when planted in suitable soil and a protected aspect. Note that parts can be a skin irritant to pets; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful 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 tenuifolia 'Plena' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Native to: Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea coast of Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, northwestern Kazakhstan
Fragrance: Flower
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 'Plena'

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 'Plena'?

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 'Plena'?

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

What soil does Paeonia tenuifolia 'Plena' need?

Paeonia tenuifolia 'Plena' 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 'Plena'?

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 'Plena' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia tenuifolia 'Plena' 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 'Plena'?

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 'Plena' 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 →