Peony
Peonies were an Edwardian obsession at the turn of the twentieth century, but they have been out of fashion in recent years.
However last year’s Chelsea Flower Show revived interest once again because many of the Gold Medal winning gardens had herbaceous peonies in abundance.'White Wings' and 'Krinkled White' both featured in Tom Stuart Smith’s Laurent Perrier Garden which won Best in Show 2008. Both had single, frilly white flowers bossed in yellow, but it was the handsome foliage that attracted Tom. (Crocus supplied all the plants in this garden and both varieties can be ordered from www.crocus.co.uk)
Great survivors
Herbaceous peonies have graced English gardens since Medieval times and the single red form of P. officinalis appears in 15th century paintings. The common double form 'Rubra Plena' probably originated in the 16th century and it’s a great survivor in cottage gardens. There was one in my abandoned cottage garden and it could be centuries old.
A potted history
The name 'officinalis' is an indicator that this plant was once used medicinally and peony is actually named after Paeon the physician of the Gods according to Pliny. The roots were recommended for twenty different ailments in Ancient Greece. So powerful were they, the roots could only be dug up at night lest a woodpecker pecked out your eyes.
Peony roots were also revered medicine for the Romans and they almost certainly brought them to Britain. The round root of P. officinalis was used to treat 'feminine' problems and the long tapering root of the Paeonia mascula was for 'male' illnesses. However by the time The Mayflower sailed in 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers were taking peonies for purely decorative reasons. Many old varieties survive in abandoned American homesteads.
Most of the handsome varieties we grow are bred from Paeonia lactiflora, commonly called Chinese peonies. These are mainly white, or pale-pink through to magenta and many literally have milky flowers (lactiflora).This peony arrived here in 1784 when Joseph Banks was sent one by a German naturalist - Peter Pallas. It was taller and the foliage was better and it soon eclipsed the cottage garden peony in the style stakes.
The French connection
Many named P. lactiflora cultivars were bred in the nineteenth century, especially in France, and this is why some wonderful older peonies have French names. 'Duchesse de Nemours' (bred by Calot in 1856)is a scented cream-white double and possibly still the best of all.
Kelways and Peony Valley
One British nursery, Kelways of Langport, sold millions right up until the First World War.They were so popular, the London to Penzance railway stopped at Peony Valley Halt every June so that passengers could disembark and admire the ten-acre field - which is still open to visitors today.(www.kelways.co.uk)
How to grow
The secret of growing them well is not to plant the tubers too deeply. The top of the crown should be no more than 5 cms (2 ins) below the soil surface. If they are too deep they produce leaf and no flower. They prefer a sunny situation and this also help flowering. But they will tolerate some shade and still produce some flowers. It is said that single peonies perform better in shade than doubles. When planting, mix in some organic matter and add a handful of bonemeal.
Moving peonies
Herbaceous peonies can also be moved and I have several that have lived in various places over the years.
Caring for established plants
Peonies will live for 50 years or more; although they can survive considerable neglect, they will reward any extra care you can give.
All peonies should be staked with hoop-like metal supports to prevent the flowers from flopping on the ground if heavy rain strikes. They shrug off rain well once staked.
Dead head them after flowering and enjoy the high-gloss foliage.
Cut down the dead foliage to ground level in autumn and clear it away. Top dress with a handful of bonemeal or general fertiliser.
If your soil is particularly heavy or sandy, mulch lightly with well rotted manure or compost. Take care, as excessive mulching may encourage fungal diseases. Avoid mulching on top of the crown or your plant may become too deeply buried. Mulch in a circle about 15-20 cms (6-9 ins) around the peony.
If your soil is acidic, an occasional top dressing with lime will prove beneficial.
Caring for established plants
Peonies make the perfect partner for roses and I have four rose and peony borders dedicated to them. I have chosen the modern floribunda rose 'Champagne Moment' for its health and vigour. It was voted Rose of the Year in 2006 and the cream-to-apricot flowers appear from June onwards. The peonies flower first and among those I grow are 'Shirley Temple' (a double blush-white), the pale-cream double 'Duchesse de Nemours', the magenta flecked white 'Festiva Maxima' and the pale-pink 'Sarah Bernhardt'. I also want to grow 'Felix Crousse' - a double magenta and Lady Alexandra Duff - a lavender-pink semi-double.
Where can I get it?
Binny Plants (the widest selection in the country) www.binnyplants.co.uk
www.crocus.co.uk
www.kelways.co.uk
www.claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk