Peonies with their large blowsy, rose-like, fragrant flowers are among the most romantic plants in the world. There are two forms, tree and herbaceous species. Peter Valder, who has a special interest in Chinese plants, recently looked at herbaceous peonies.
At around a metre tall these plants are smaller than tree peonies (which can grow up to 2-3m or 6-10′ high), die down over winter but send up new shoots each spring. They flower from late spring to summer.
The Chinese herbaceous peonies are among the world’s oldest garden plants. Chinese boys and girls exchanged them as tokens of affection in about the 6th century BC.
Common name: Peony, peony rose (although they are not related to roses), Chinese peony.
Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora. The genus name, Paeonia, is derived from Paion, the physician to the gods in Greek mythology and implies praise for something of exceptional quality.
Description: The large flowers are often scented. The flower shapes can resemble camellias, carnations or roses (they have been referred to as ‘roses without thorns’ and are frequently called peony roses). The foliage is sometimes bronze/maroon tinged in the spring but becomes green as the season progresses.
Varieties: There are many named varieties of herbaceous peonies in a range of different shapes and colours including:
Divide tubers of existing plantings in autumn or plant tubers when dormant. Set the tuber crowns just below soil surface (2-3cm or around an 1″) and take care not to damage the roots or new growth buds.
The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Peonies by Martin Page (Florilegium, $39.95). ISBN 0-9586498-7-1.
Peonies are planted in autumn and winter and are available from many nurseries at this time in the cooler parts of the country. Plants are also sold as potted specimens throughout the year. Try the following nurseries for a range of peonies.
The Heritage Nursery
Banks St, Weston Park, Yarralumla, 2600
Phone: (02) 6281 7373
www.heritagenursery.com.au
Kirkconnell Limberlost Nursery
Sunny Corner Road Yetholme 2795
Phone: (02) 6337 5290
Gibbs Nursery
Albury 2640
Phone: (02) 6021 6247
Mount Boyce Nursery
Blackheath 2785
Phone: (02) 4787 8339.
Webbers Nursery
355 Great Western Highway
BLACKHEATH 2785
Phone: (02) 4787 5133
www.webersnursery.com.au
Mt Murray Nursery
Headlam Rd, Moss Vale
(02) 4869 4111
Blows Bros Nursery
150 Sturt Valley Road Stirling 5152
Phone: (08) 8339 1309
Cleveland Nursery
91 Mt Barker Rd Stirling 5152
Phone: (08) 8339 1595
www.clevelandnursery.com.au
Dicksonia Rare Plants
341 Mt Macedon Road Mt Macedon 3441
Phone: (03) 5426 3075
The Greenery
4 Banksia Road Heidelberg
Phone: (03) 9458 8433
Tesselaar Bulbs and Flowers
357 Monbulk Road Silvan 3795
Phone: (03) 9737 9811
www.tesselaar.net.au
Trenton Cottage
156 Townsend Road Whittington 3219
Phone: (03) 5248 1458
Wishing Well Nursery
407 Monbulk Road Monbulk 3793
Phone: (03) 9756 6107
Broersen Plants
Phone: (03) 9737 9202
www.broersen.com.au
Garden Express
470 MONBULK ROAD, MONBULK, 3793
Phone: 1300 606 242
www.gardenexpress.com.au
Misty Downs Nursery
2301 Midland Hwy, Springmount 3364
Phone: (03) 5345 2847
www.mistydowns.com.au
Allan’s Nursery
Victoria Street, Youngtown TAS 7249
Phone: (03) 6343 1800
New Town Station Nursery
65 Bellevue Parade New Town 7008
Phone: (03) 6228 7705
Riverview Nursery
PO Box 435 Devonport 7310
Phone: (03) 6424 5847
Van Diemens Quality Bulbs
363 Table Cape Rd, Wynyard, 7325
Phone: 1800 179 113
www.vdqbulbs.com.au