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Paeonia suffruticosa
Cultivation Notes
This article was provided care of 'Plants For A Future'
| Latin Name: | Paeonia suffruticosa |
| Common Name: | Moutan |
| Family: | Paeoniaceae |
| Synonyms: | P. moutan. Sims. |
| Known Hazards: | None known |
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Author: Andrews.
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| Habit: Deciduous Shrub |
| Habitat: Scrub in mountains[184]. |
| Height: 2.0 Width: 3.0 |
Cultivation Details:
Requires a deep rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline[1], doing quite well in sun or light shade[1]. Prefers a limy soil and a sheltered position[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and on chalk[184].
Hardy to about -20°c[184], plants do better in the north of Britain than they do in the south and are generally best if given an open northerly aspect[11].
There is some confusion over the name of this species, Chinese botanists believing that it was based on a cultivar. They do not recognise this name, instead raising to specific status two of its sub-species as P. rockii (Haw.&Lauener.) Hong.&Li. and P. jishanensis Hong.&W.Z.Zhao (syn P. spontanea (Rehder.) Hong.&W.Z.Zhao.)[214].
A very ornamental plant[1], there are many named varieties[182]. It grows best in areas with long hot summers[1] and requires an airy position because it is very subject to fungal attack[11]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].
Plants come into growth early in the year and are then subject to damage by late frosts[11]. The branches are brittle and very subject to wind damage, especially when young[200].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233].
A very greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].
Very tolerant of pruning, plants can be cut right back to ground level if they require rejuvenation[200].
Strongly resents root disturbance, taking some time to recover after being divided[1].
Plants take 4 - 5 years to flower from seed[200]. They generally breed true from seed[1].
Cultivated in China as a medicinal plant[214].
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Propagation Notes:
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. When sown fresh, the seed produces a root about 6 weeks after sowing with shoots formed in the spring[200]. Stored seed is much slower, it should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame but may take 18 months or more to germinate[200]. Pot up into individual pots as soon as the seedlings are big enough to handle and grow on for two years before planting out into their permanent positions in early summer.
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