Delavay Peony
paeonia delavayi
Also known as: ["Delavay's Peony","Tree Peony"]
Overview
A deciduous tree peony species native to China, known for its vibrant yellow, orange, and red flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus: | Paeonia |
| Botanical Name: | Paeonia delavayi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–20–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to slightly moisture-retentive; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; 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 if needed.
- 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/day) in spring and early summer; partial shade during hot summer afternoons to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun; provide shade during extreme heat; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf burn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; protect from harsh afternoon sun; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; adjust based on weather and soil moisture.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich soil with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cold winters but requires protection from extreme heat.
Protect from extreme cold and heat; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before active growth; avoid fertilizing in late summer to prevent tender growth.
Propagation
Methods
Division of roots in early autumn or spring; stem cuttings can be attempted but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide roots carefully, ensuring each section has buds.
- Plant immediately at the same depth.
- Water well.
Best Time: Early autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant or just beginning growth.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions for root division; warm, humid environment with indirect light for stem cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added compost or peat; sand can improve drainage if needed.
Hormone
Optional for root division; rooting hormone may help with stem cuttings but is not essential.
Timeline
Root division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, establishment in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or spade, gloves, rooting hormone (optional), pots or planting site.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; ensure divisions have viable buds; water thoroughly after planting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the base or a healthy bud; remove weak or crossing stems to improve structure.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged stems after flowering; thin out crowded growth to improve air circulation; shape as needed.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruners or secateurs, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or weak stems; shape plant as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Pot Size
Use the same size pot or container unless dividing; if repotting, choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.
Method
Gently lift the plant; tease out roots if necessary; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Generally not required; peonies are long-lived and resent disturbance; repot only if severely root-bound or after division.
Checklist
Prepare new soil mix; lift plant gently; inspect roots; replant at the same depth; water thoroughly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; avoid overhead watering; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize fungal issues; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce frequency in late summer and fall; minimal watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and delay flowering; prolonged frost may damage buds and young shoots.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; provide a protective cover during hard freezes; choose a sheltered planting site.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; heat stress may lead to premature bud drop.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid over-fertilization; stop after flowering.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing after flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the roots or seeds of Paeonia delavayi. The toxic compounds are not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Paeonia delavayi roots and seeds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The compounds present are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPaeonia delavayi contains paeonol and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The roots and seeds are the most toxic parts due to higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Paeonia delavayi suitable for beginners?
A: No, it requires moderate care and is better suited for enthusiasts.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers can attract pollinators like bees.
Q: How toxic is this plant to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Paeoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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