Paeonia veitchii var. woodwardii (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia veitchii var. woodwardii 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 var. woodwardii 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 var. woodwardii is an upright, clump-forming perennial peony reaching about 0.8 m, notable for deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze‑flushed when young. It is deciduous and flowers in the UK from May to June. Native to China, it performs best in sheltered positions with neutral to slightly alkaline, fertile soils.

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 var. woodwardii is a herbaceous peony from China that forms an upright, clump-forming perennial around 0.8 m tall. The leaves are deeply divided and commonly show a bronze flush on emerging growth; plants are deciduous and produce their flowers in the UK from May to June. Sit this peony in full sun to partial shade, avoiding deep shade and taking particular care to avoid early morning sun on frosted buds. It favours deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and likes soil that remains moist but is well drained rather than waterlogged. Choose a sheltered location to reduce winter desiccation and mechanical damage; its hardiness is rated H6–H7, which equates to very to fully hardy in UK terms and makes it suitable for most garden locations where exposure is moderated. The plant suits the middle or front of herbaceous borders and can be grown against a sheltered wall or within mixed perennial beds where its mid‑late spring flowers and bronze‑tinted young leaves are visible. Expect 0.8 m height and allow space for a clump to develop; avoid exposing fresh buds to frost-thaw cycles that can harm blooms.

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 var. woodwardii 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 var. woodwardii

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 var. woodwardii?

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 var. woodwardii?

Paeonia veitchii var. woodwardii prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia veitchii var. woodwardii need?

Paeonia veitchii var. woodwardii 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 var. woodwardii?

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 var. woodwardii grow?

Paeonia veitchii var. woodwardii reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia veitchii var. woodwardii hardy in the UK?

Paeonia veitchii var. woodwardii 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 var. woodwardii?

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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