Peonies designated for rock gardens are smaller, fitting into the small planting pockets characteristically found in rock gardens. Dwarf peonies are compatible with alpine plants that tolerant fast draining soils.
Fern Leaf Peonies
Fern leaf peonies suitable for rock gardens grow less than 21 inches tall. Dwarf peonies have deeply incised foliage, bloom early to mid spring, and are apt to go dormant first. Dwarf peonies with fern leaf foliage are relatives of Paeonia teniuflora.
Their small size fit the scale of most plants found in a rock garden and offer high impact flower color in spring. The fern leaf foliage adds garden interest throughout the summer.
Growing Peonies
All peonies flower best planted in full sun with moist well-draining soil. Peonies require garden soil well amended. Plants tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6-7. They do not appreciate competition with tree roots. Gardeners should select peony cultivars with strong stems when they are planted in windy sites.
Standard peonies are hardy in zones 2-8. For gardens located in the southern United States, peonies tolerate climate conditions in the most northern portions or at higher elevations.
Peonies are long-lived herbaceous plants. Dwarf peonies hybridized for rock gardens are hardy in zones 3-7. Like most peonies, they do not like being moved. But when necessary, they should be dug, divided and replanted in early fall.
Rock Garden Paeonia Cultivars
Paeonia cultivars appropriate to plant in rock gardens include:
- P. teniuflora ‘Rubra Plena’ is a very early bloomer with double red flowers. It grows 18-24” tall. This plant tolerates drier soils. It is believed this peony dates back to the 17th or 18th century; it is an expensive plant.
- P. ‘Chameleon’ is a compact 15” tall plant with single blooms. The lavender-pink flowers are striking against its gray-green foliage. Hybridizers are William Krekler and Roy G. Klehm.
- P. ‘Fairy Princess’ peony has strong stems on a 24” tall plant. The golden yellow stamen is striking inside the very red cup shaped flower. Hybridizers are Elizabeth Falk and Lyman Glasscock.
- P. ‘Elfin Beauty’ peony is 16” tall. The single petal flower is crimson on a backdrop of finely cut dark green foliage. Hybridizers are William Krekler and Roy G. Klehm.
History of Peonies
Peonies are native to China, Mongolia and Siberia. These long-lived perennials are a tradition found in family gardens across the United States. Visit botanical gardens with peony collections and rock gardens whether in New York City or the Midwest.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
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