Spanish Peony
paeonia broteroi
Also known as: ["Spanish Peony","Brotero's Peony"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with large, showy flowers and attractive foliage, native to the Iberian Peninsula.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus: | Paeonia |
| Botanical Name: | Paeonia broteroi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Well-draining to slightly moisture-retentive; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late autumn or early spring if necessary.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to remove dead or diseased growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily) in spring and early summer; partial shade during hot summer afternoons to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is preferable; provide shade during peak summer heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend soil with organic matter before planting; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates cold winters but requires a period of dormancy.
Protect from frost in late spring; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; clean up any fertilizer residue from leaves.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or root cuttings in early autumn or late winter.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes into sections with at least 3–5 buds each.
- Plant cuttings horizontally just below the soil surface.
- Water lightly and keep moist.
Best Time: Early autumn or late winter when the plant is dormant or just beginning to break dormancy.
Environment
Cool, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added sand or perlite; can also be propagated in coarse sand or peat moss.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is not typically necessary but can be used for root cuttings to encourage faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop within 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear in the following growing season.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or pruners, garden gloves, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining propagation medium.
Quick Tips
Ensure each division has viable buds; plant cuttings horizontally to encourage root development; maintain consistent moisture during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the nearest healthy bud or lateral branch; remove any crossing or rubbing stems to improve structure.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged stems after flowering; thin out overcrowded stems to improve air circulation; shape the plant as needed to maintain form.
Tools
Sharp, clean bypass pruners, sterilizing solution (e.g., rubbing alcohol), gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools before use; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased stems; thin overcrowded growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early autumn or late winter when the plant is dormant.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) if repotting in a container; in-ground plants do not require size changes.
Method
Gently lift the plant; remove old soil and inspect roots; trim any damaged roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with the crown at soil level.
Suggestions
Paeonia broteroi is typically grown in the ground and does not require frequent repotting; if grown in containers, repot every 3–4 years to refresh soil and provide more space.
Checklist
Choose the right time; prepare new soil mix; gently lift and inspect roots; replant at the correct depth; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply water slowly and deeply to ensure penetration; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce frequency in late summer and fall; avoid watering during dormancy in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite to enhance drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; delayed flowering in improper temperature conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow metabolic processes, inhibit flowering, and potentially cause root damage if not properly mulched or protected.
Solution: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering during cold periods to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; may cause the plant to go dormant prematurely.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency during heatwaves; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; stop after flowering.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; discontinue fertilizing after flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPaeonia broteroi is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a risk of poisoning to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPaeonia broteroi is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines after exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPaeonia broteroi is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Paeonia broteroi toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should Paeonia broteroi be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Paeonia broteroi attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Paeoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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