Photo of Paeonia tenuifolia flower, foliage by Karelj

Photo by Karelj

This work has been released into the public domain by its author.

Show all photos

Paeonia tenuifolia

Also Known As

  • Fern Leaf Peony
  • Japanese Paeonia

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"-24"
  • W: 18"-24"

planting zones

  • 4a-9a

More Options

Paeonia tenuifolia plant details

Paeonia tenuifolia is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring red flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Paeonia tenuifolia

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: paeoniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, easy-to-grow, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Paeonia tenuifolia

USDA Zones: 4a - 9a
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This tough but delicate looking species peony has been documented in gardens since 1759...the delicate foliage is fine and ferny and very un-peony like! This shrubby herbaceous perennial forms 1-2’ clumps in full sun to lightly shaded positions in well drained soil that last well into fall with an attractive presence. May brings ample crimson blooms with flat faces and golden yellow stamens. References state this likes rich, moist, fertile soil...ours grow splendidly in unammended very sandy loam in full sun with total neglect. Deer, rabbit, critter resistant. USDA Z4-8
Though these plants reach only 2 ft., they are unforgettable with dense, finely dissected, feathery leaves. The relatively large, deep crimson flowers, to 3 in., rest just atop the softly textured leaves.
Well, it looks like carrot foliage to me. The cup-shaped, single flowers are deep scarlet, with a tuft of yellow stamen. Easy and long lived, growing to sizable clumps. Seedlings in the 3rd growing season in 2 7/8" square - 5 1/2" deep pots. The roots are about 1/2" thick.

Gardening facts about Paeonia tenuifolia plant

How to Grow Paeonia tenuifolia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved