About
Paeonia x suffruticosa is an upright shrub to around 2m tall with divided leaves; large, variable, cup-shaped, single or semi-double flowers in shades of pink or white are borne in late spring and early summer.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toW China
ToxicityPets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, in an open position but with shelter from cold, drying winds; see tree peony cultivation for further information
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt