Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' (Wittmann's Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' 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 wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' 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 Southern Transcaucasian region.

About

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony noted for its deeply divided foliage that often flushes bronze when young. It flowers in the UK from May to June on erect stems. The foliage is deciduous and the plant suits a sheltered position with good light. It prefers deep, fertile loam or clay soils that are moist but well drained and neutral to slightly alkaline.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia daurica subsp. wittmanniana

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 wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' is a perennial from the southern Transcaucasian region with an upright, clump-forming habit and divided leaves that commonly show a bronze flush in spring. Flowering occurs in the UK from May to June. The plant is deciduous and produces its seasonal interest over a defined spring period. Position it in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It needs soil that stays moist yet drains freely; avoid waterlogged ground. Give it a sheltered aspect and avoid deep shade; also take care to avoid exposing frosted buds to direct early morning sun where possible. The hardiness rating H6–H7 means it is very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms (USDA 3–8), so it will tolerate severe winter conditions in most parts of the country when established. With its upright, clump-forming habit and late-spring flowering, Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' suits the middle or rear of a herbaceous border, or a sheltered position beside a wall or hedge where its bronze-flushed young foliage can be appreciated before and after flowering. The divided leaves are a reliable identification feature when plants are out of bloom.

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 wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Native to: Southern Transcaucasian region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde'

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 wittmanniana 'Avant Garde'?

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 wittmanniana 'Avant Garde'?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' need?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' 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 wittmanniana 'Avant Garde'?

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 wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Avant Garde' 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 wittmanniana 'Avant Garde'?

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 →