Paeonia wittmanniana 'Mai Fleuri' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Mai Fleuri' 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 'Mai Fleuri' 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 'Mai Fleuri' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that bears pale yellow to white flowers. It blooms in May to June. The deciduous leaves are deeply divided and often show a bronze flush when young. Place it in a sheltered spot with full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay that remains moist but drains freely.

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 'Mai Fleuri' belongs to the Paeoniaceae and originates from the southern Transcaucasian region. It forms an upright, clump-forming perennial with deeply divided, deciduous foliage that frequently shows a bronze tint as it emerges; the flowers present in May to June and are pale yellow through to white. Siting and soil are key: choose deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and a moisture regime that is moist but well drained. Give the plant full sun to partial shade, avoiding deep shade, and aim for a sheltered position to protect developing shoots; do not expose buds to early morning sun when frosts are possible. Hardiness is H6–H7, meaning very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms (USDA zones 3–8 is the comparable range). In the garden it suits a back-of-border position or a sheltered herbaceous bed where its late-spring flowers can be seen without exposure to harsh winds. Leaves provide early-season bronze interest before settling to green later in the season, so allow young shoots to develop without disturbance to appreciate that seasonal colour change.

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 'Mai Fleuri' 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 'Mai Fleuri'

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 'Mai Fleuri'?

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 'Mai Fleuri'?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Mai Fleuri' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia wittmanniana 'Mai Fleuri' need?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Mai Fleuri' 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 'Mai Fleuri'?

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 'Mai Fleuri' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia wittmanniana 'Mai Fleuri' 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 'Mai Fleuri'?

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 →