Peony Roses

What we call Peony roses or Peonies are indeed wonderful flowering plants, however a little more varied than we are led to believe. For a startwe have Tree, Herbaceaus and not Intersectional or ITOH peonies.

All with wonderful flowers (picture right) and all are valued for beautiful and fragrant flowers in the garden.

So what are the types and what is the difference? Tree types are like shrubs, they have a woody stem which stays through the winter. Hebaceaus types die right back to the ground. The types we call ITOH, are a mix between the two, sometimes called intersectional.

Added to this are what are called 'American lutea' types and well as Japanese and Chinese types. A little confusing but all are wonderful.

Species include : anomala, delavayi, lactiflora, lutea, mascula, suffruticosa and tenuifolia, however it is the hybrids that we will usually see for sale.

The peony or paeony ( Paeonia ) is a deciduous plant native to Asia, Europe and North America. They prefer sun to part shade in a well drained soil rich in humus.

Once established peony are a hardy plant, keep moist during summer and fertilise in spring. Herbaceous peony are from 0.5-1.5 metres tall, but the taller woody variety can reach up to 3 metres.

Peony Season

The best time to plant is in autumn, the soil is still warm, yet the plants seem dormant. For flowering, October to November is the best season for seeing peonies in full flower in Australia.

However different varieties flower early, mid season and late and of course warmer and cooler climates cn influence flowering time. So you can extend the flowering season by carefully selecting the right types. Late season varieties can sometimes be problematical especially in warmer areas (Sydney and Brisbane) where they may not flower in hot years.

Care.

Peony have deeply lobed leaves, and large, often fragrant flowers, ranging from red to white or yellow, in late spring and early summer. The herbaceous peonies are grouped into five types : single (or Chinese Peony), semi-double, double, Japanese Peony, and anemone.

Remember that tree peony do not like wet feet, in fact once they are established they are reasonably drought tolerant. Many tree peonies are killed by overwatering.

Peony roses remind us of cottage gardens as well as more formal plantings. Fantastic flowers, fragrant and colourful, these clump forming perennials are well suited to cooler areas of Australia. Chinese peonies have been cultivated for centuries and the variety is incredible.

Flowering from spring through to summer, depending on position and climate, peony roses will reach nearly 1m and are a long lasting plant. Position in the garden depends on climate, in cooler areas some protection from afternoon sun is enough, in warmer climates part shade is required. They do require a well drained soil and protection from hot winds. A cool winter is required and ideal ph of 7 to 7.5 (we like 8).

An excellent feature in the garden border, a cottage garden planting or in a pot or container as a feature plant. Flowers are excellent as a cut flower, and the ferny green foliage is attractive.

See the article from whitehouse Nursery