Paeonia wittmanniana var. macrophylla (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia wittmanniana var. macrophylla 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 var. macrophylla 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 var. macrophylla is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are often bronze-flushed when young. It flowers in May to June and is native to the southern Transcaucasian region. Best grown in deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It prefers full sun to partial shade in a sheltered position, avoiding deep shade.

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 var. macrophylla is a perennial, clump-forming member of the Paeoniaceae from the southern Transcaucasian region. Its foliage is deeply divided and frequently shows a bronze flush on new growth; flowering occurs in May to June. Plants form upright clumps and appreciate a sheltered location. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay that holds moisture yet drains; neutral to slightly alkaline soils suit it best. Position where it receives full sun to partial shade and where exposure is sheltered from prevailing winds. It corresponds to H6–H7 in UK hardiness terms, meaning it will tolerate very cold winters across most of the UK when not exposed to driving winds. Avoid deep shade and protect buds from early morning sun on frosted mornings. It is well placed towards the middle or rear of a perennial border, beside sheltered walls or among taller shrubs that do not cast continuous shade, where the divided leaves and seasonal flowers remain visible in late spring and early summer.

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 var. macrophylla 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 var. macrophylla

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 var. macrophylla?

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 var. macrophylla?

Paeonia wittmanniana var. macrophylla prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia wittmanniana var. macrophylla need?

Paeonia wittmanniana var. macrophylla 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 var. macrophylla?

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 var. macrophylla hardy in the UK?

Paeonia wittmanniana var. macrophylla 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 var. macrophylla?

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 →