Paeonia peregrina (Balkan peony)

Botanical name

Paeonia peregrina

Other names

Balkan peony, Paeonia decora, Paeonia lobata, Paeonia romanica

Genus

Paeonia Paeonia

Species

P. peregrina - P. peregrina is an erect, deciduous perennial with stiff, dark green leaves divided into nine leaflets and, in late spring and early summer, glossy, bowl-shaped, deep red flowers with yellow stamens.

Native to

Southern Europe

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Flowers are fragrant.

Habit

Erect

Toxicity

All parts may cause discomfort if ingested.

---

Colour

Flower

Dark-red in Spring; Dark-red in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

---

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Swift moth larvae

Specific diseases

Honey fungus , Peony wilt , Virus

General care

Pruning

Remove faded flowers. Cut back in autumn after the foliage has died back.

Propagation methods

Division

---

Monthly care advice

---

Where to grow

Paeonia peregrina (Balkan peony) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

City, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Plant in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position. May need support. Resents being transplanted.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Paeonia peregrina (Balkan peony)

Common pest name

Ash yellows

Scientific pest name

Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini

Type

Phytoplasma

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Pathogen causing phytoplasma disease of certain tree species in the Americas. EU regulation already provides some mitigation against the risk of introduction; but could be further strengthened.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Paeonia peregrina (Balkan peony)

Common pest name

Stunt nematode; Tobacco stunt nematode

Scientific pest name

Tylenchorhynchus claytoni

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest already present in UK; particularly damaging to Azaleas at present; but could move into crops such as maize and forestry crops (Pinus) in the longer term. Need to raise awareness amongst relevant sectors.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/