Paeonia wittmanniana 'Le Printemps' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Le Printemps' 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 'Le Printemps' 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 'Le Printemps' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony valued for its deeply divided foliage and seasonal bloom. It is deciduous, with young leaves often flushed bronze before turning green. Flowering occurs in the UK from May to June. Give it a sheltered spot and neutral to slightly alkaline, fertile soil for best results.

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 'Le Printemps' belongs to the Paeoniaceae and originates from the southern Transcaucasian region. It grows as a clump-forming, upright perennial and carries deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering in the UK runs from May to June, providing a predictable early-summer display. Plant into deep, fertile loam or clay that remains moist but is well drained, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Position it in full sun to partial shade but avoid deep shade; also avoid early morning sun on frosted buds to reduce the risk of winter damage to emerging shoots. It prefers a sheltered aspect and is rated H6–H7 in UK hardiness terms (very hardy to fully hardy), corresponding to USDA zones 3–8 for broader reference. Use Paeonia wittmanniana 'Le Printemps' towards the middle or rear of a sunny to lightly shaded herbaceous border where shelter is available from cold winds. Allow space for a seasonally bold clump and ensure soil stays moist but never waterlogged. Note that the young foliage frequently shows a bronze tint before maturing to green, which can be an ornamental feature in spring.

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 'Le Printemps' 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 'Le Printemps'

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 'Le Printemps'?

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 'Le Printemps'?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Le Printemps' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia wittmanniana 'Le Printemps' need?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Le Printemps' 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 'Le Printemps'?

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 'Le Printemps' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Le Printemps' 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 'Le Printemps'?

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 →