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

Overview

Paeonia wittmanniana var. nudicarpa 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. nudicarpa 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. nudicarpa is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Paeonia, notable for deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. It produces its flowers in May to June. The plant favours full sun to partial shade in a sheltered situation and prefers deep, fertile loam or clay that is moist but well drained. Avoid planting where buds are exposed to early morning sun after a frost.

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. nudicarpa is a perennial member of the Paeoniaceae native to the southern Transcaucasian region. It forms upright clumps with deeply divided foliage, the new growth often flushed bronze before maturing, and flowers reliably in May to June. Give this peony a site in full sun to partial shade that is sheltered from strong winds and late frosts. It performs best in deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; the soil should retain moisture but drain freely to avoid waterlogging. Positioning where early morning sun does not hit frosted buds reduces the risk of frost damage to opening shoots. Hardiness rating H6–H7 means it tolerates very cold UK winters and, in most areas, will be fully hardy once established. In a UK garden it suits a sheltered mixed border or a perennial bed where its seasonal leaf colour and late spring bloom can be seen at close range. Expect the bronze flush of young leaves to be a notable feature that precedes the May–June flowering period.

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. nudicarpa 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. nudicarpa

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. nudicarpa?

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. nudicarpa?

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

What soil does Paeonia wittmanniana var. nudicarpa need?

Paeonia wittmanniana var. nudicarpa 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. nudicarpa?

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. nudicarpa hardy in the UK?

Paeonia wittmanniana var. nudicarpa 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. nudicarpa?

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 →