Paeonia emodi
Family: Paeoniaceae
What it is like
Paeonia emodi is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Forest and scrub, often gregarious, 1800 - 2500 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to W. Nepal.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young shoots - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The tubers are a useful medicine for the treatment of hysteria, convulsions, colic, uterine diseases and obstructions of the bile duct. They are given to children as a blood purifier. The seeds are cathartic and emetic. An infusion of the dried flowers is useful in the treatment of diarrhoea. A tea made from the dried crushed petals of various peony species has been used as a cough remedy, and as a treatment for haemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.
Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Uterine tonic: A tonic for the uterus. See also oxytoxic.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a deep rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline, doing quite well in sun or light shade. It is best grown amongst shrubs, doing better when given some shade. Plants are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but will not survive if the soil becomes waterlogged or is too dry. This species is lime tolerant. Plants grown on sandy soils tend to produce more leaves and less flowers, whilst those growing on clay take longer to become established but produce better blooms. Many gardeners have difficulties growing this plant in their gardens, though it thrives in the outdoor beds at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh. Probably giving it the protection of shrubs or a woodland edge is likely to be most successful. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental and long-lived plant, specimens can survive in the garden for at least 50 years. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. A very greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Strongly resents root disturbance, taking some time to recover after being divided. Peony species are usually self-fertile, though they will also hybridise with other species if these flower nearby at the same time. Plants take 4 - 5 years to flower from seed. They generally breed true from seed.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. When sown fresh, the seed produces a root about 6 weeks after sowing with shoots formed in the spring. Stored seed is much slower, it should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame but may take 18 months or more to germinate. The roots are very sensitive to disturbance, so many growers allow the seedlings to remain in their pots for 2 growing seasons before potting them up. This allows a better root system to develop that is more resilient to disturbance. If following this practice, make sure you sow the seed thinly, and give regular liquid feeds in the growing season to ensure the plants are well fed. We usually prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and then grow them on in a cold frame for at least two growing seasons before planting them out when they are in growth in the spring. Division with great care in spring or autumn. Each portion must have a leaf bud. If the lifted root is stood in shade for several hours it becomes less brittle and easier to divide. Divisions that have several buds will usually flower in the second year, but those that only have one or two buds will take a number of years before they have grown sufficiently to flower.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist