Paeonia 'White Innocence' (peony 'White Innocence') — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia 'White Innocence' 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 'White Innocence' 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. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens and mixed perennial beds.

About

Paeonia 'White Innocence' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Paeoniaceae with deciduous, deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. It prefers full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline and moist but well drained. The blooms are slightly fragrant and open in May to June.

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 'White Innocence' is a perennial peony with an upright, clump-forming habit and finely divided leaves that often show a bronze flush when they emerge. It belongs to the Paeoniaceae and presents slightly fragrant flowers in the UK flowering window of May to June. The plant is deciduous and benefits from a sheltered position to protect shoots and buds. Choose a site in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Soil should hold moisture yet drain; waterlogged conditions should be avoided. Siting away from deep shade will encourage flowering, and avoid exposing buds to early morning sun when frosts are possible, as that can damage emerging blooms. The rating H6–H7 indicates the peony is very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms; it is also suitable through USDA zones 3–8. Paeonia 'White Innocence' works well in mixed perennial beds, cottage-style borders and as a source of cut flowers; its upright clump form gives structure between herbaceous perennials. Note that the plant can be a skin irritant to pets; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Expect flowers in May to 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 'White Innocence' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens, mixed perennial beds
Fragrance: Slightly fragrant
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 'White Innocence'

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 'White Innocence'?

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 'White Innocence'?

Paeonia 'White Innocence' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia 'White Innocence' need?

Paeonia 'White Innocence' 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 'White Innocence'?

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 'White Innocence' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'White Innocence' 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 'White Innocence'?

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 'White Innocence' 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 →