About
This bushy herbaceous perennial to 75cm high, with dark green, divided leaves. Produces double flowers to 15cm across in early summer, opening deep pink and fading to paler pink as they mature.
About the genus
Paeonia may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous sub-shrubs with large, divided leaves and showy large bowl-shaped flowers, usually in early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityPets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationBest in a deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained, in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. Flowers may need support. See herbaceous peony cultivation for further information.
PruningRemove dead flowers as they fade, then cut back the plant after the foliage has died down in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and swift moth larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt