Paeonia tenuifolia
fernleaf peony
A herbaceous perennial, to 60cm tall, with very finely-divided, feathery foliage. Single, deep red flowers, with a central mass of yellow stamens, are produced in late spring and early summer
Other common names
fennel-leaved peonyslender-leaved peony
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Red Yellow | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Paeoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Paeonia may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous sub-shrubs with large, divided leaves and showy large bowl-shaped flowers, usually in early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Serbia to Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. See herbaceous peony cultivation for further information.
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead flowers as they fade, then cut plant back as the foliage dies down at the end of summer
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth larvae
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt
Get involved
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