Paeonia daurica aka Golden Peony

Paeonia daurica is a herbaceous perennial in the peony family, Paeoniaceae. Kew places its native range in the Caucasus. The RHS gives a broader range, from southeast Europe to Iran. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Older names include Paeonia triternata and Paeonia mascula subsp. triternata.

This peony forms a bushy clump and loses its leaves each year. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre) in height and spread. The RHS describes a usual height near 2.5 feet (0.75 metres). Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Each leaf divides into nine broad, oval leaflets. These have rounded tips and often have wavy edges. Their mid-green colour forms a backdrop for the flowers.

Single, cup-shaped flowers open in late spring and early summer. They grow at the ends of the stems. Petals may be red or pink, with white less frequent. Purple filaments stand in the flower centres. The flowers may need support to hold their stems upright. The RHS recommends this species for flower beds and borders. It also suits cottage gardens and other informal planting schemes. Its clump form and divided leaves add interest beyond the blooms.

Choose a sheltered site with deep, rich soil that drains well. Full sun is best, though the plant accepts light shade. Keep the soil moist without letting it become waterlogged. Suitable soils include chalk, clay, sand and loam. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils are all acceptable. The RHS rates it H6 for cold hardiness. This rating covers UK conditions down to roughly −4°F to 5°F (−20°C to −15°C). It lists the plant among choices for low-maintenance gardens.

Raise new plants from seed or divide established clumps in autumn. Cut dead growth to ground level during autumn. This removes old leaves and helps reduce disease risk. Leaf and bud eelworms and swift moth caterpillars may attack plants. Possible diseases include peony wilt, leaf blotch and Verticillium wilt. Honey fungus and viruses may also cause trouble. The RHS warns that this plant can irritate dogs' and cats' skin. Its pet warning matters when choosing a planting site.