Paeonia delavayi (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 2m
Eventual Spread: 1.5m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Paeoniaceae
Paeonia delavayi is a deciduous shrubby perennial with an upright domed shaped habit. Its mid green leaves are divided into lanceolate leaflets. Its stems are erect and arching. Its red flowers appear in the leaf axis and terminally and are up to 10cm across. Its fruit is a follicle, each containing up to five seeds. Its roots are tuberous.
Paeonia delavayi, commonly known as a Delavay’s Tree Peony, is native to south east China. In its native habitat it grows in moist Pinus or Quercus forest clearings.
The etymological root of the binomial name Paeonia is named after Paeon, a Greek physician of the gods who, in mythology, was changed into a flower by Pluto. Delavayi
The landscape architect may find Paeonia delavayi useful as part of a woodland edge planting scheme in the light dappled shade of trees. It is also suitable for use as part of a herbaceous perennial border.
Ecologically, Paeonia delavayi is attractive to pollinating insects.
Paeonia delavayi Flower (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Paeonia delavayi prefers moist, deep, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.
Paeonia delavayi requires little maintenance. Once planted the roots of this plant should not be disturbed.
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