Overview
Paeonia veitchii 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. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Paeonia veitchii 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 China.
About
Paeonia veitchii forms an upright, clump-forming perennial peony with deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. It reaches around 0.8 m and favours a sheltered position. Plants prefer deep, fertile loam or clay and moist but well-drained conditions. Flowering occurs in May to June.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia veitchii
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 veitchii is a herbaceous peony native to central China, producing an upright clump of finely divided leaves that often show a bronze flush on new growth. The foliage dies back each year, leaving the rootstock to renew the clump the following spring. In the UK it suits sites that receive full sun to partial shade but should not be placed in deep shade; avoid exposing early-morning buds to frost and give the plant a sheltered aspect. Plant into deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH and ensure soil remains moist but well drained; stagnant water at the root will cause decline. The species is winter-hardy (H6–H7 in the UK, roughly USDA 3–8), so most gardens will provide adequate cold tolerance provided drainage and shelter are reasonable. Expect upright stems to about 0.8 m and flowering in May to June, after which the foliage continues to develop before dying back for winter.
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 veitchii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia veitchii
- 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 veitchii?
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 veitchii?
Paeonia veitchii prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia veitchii need?
Paeonia veitchii 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 veitchii?
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.
How big does Paeonia veitchii grow?
Paeonia veitchii reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Paeonia veitchii hardy in the UK?
Paeonia veitchii 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 veitchii?
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
- Paeoniapeony
- Paeonia 'Archangel'peony 'Archangel'
- Paeonia 'Chalice'Peony
- Paeonia 'Early Bird'Peony
- Paeonia 'Good Cheer'Peony
- Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
- Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
- Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)
