Paeonia tenuifolia 'Rosea' (Fern Leaf Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia tenuifolia 'Rosea' 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 'Rosea' 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 'Rosea' is a herbaceous perennial peony with finely divided, fern-like foliage that is often bronze-flushed when young. It forms an upright, clump-forming habit and dies back to the ground each winter. In the UK it flowers in May to June, producing cup-shaped red blooms. Plants prefer a sheltered position in sun or part shade and well-drained, fertile soil.

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 'Rosea' originates from steppe regions around the Caucasus and neighbouring countries and is valued for its thread-like, deeply divided leaves that give a fern-like effect. The foliage often shows a bronze tint as it emerges, making the plant a foliage feature as well as a flowering perennial. Flowering runs from May to June, when single cup-shaped red blooms are typically produced above the leaves. Place the plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; keep soil moist but well drained. Choose a sheltered aspect and avoid deep shade; also avoid exposing the developing buds to early morning sun on frosty mornings, which can damage them. Soil fertility and depth matter more than frequent feeding — ample root space in good soil supports the clump-forming crown. In UK gardens it sits well where its delicate foliage is visible: the front or middle of a mixed herbaceous border, a sheltered gravel or loam bed, or alongside early perennials that finish before the peony’s foliage takes over. Very to fully hardy (H6–H7), Paeonia tenuifolia 'Rosea' offers a brief but memorable display, with typically a single scented red flower per stem that appears to float above the fern-like leaves in May and June.

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 'Rosea' 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia tenuifolia 'Rosea'

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 'Rosea'?

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 'Rosea'?

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

What soil does Paeonia tenuifolia 'Rosea' need?

Paeonia tenuifolia 'Rosea' 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 'Rosea'?

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 'Rosea' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia tenuifolia 'Rosea' 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 'Rosea'?

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 →