Paeonia mairei | Maire's Peony
DESCRIPTION
Paeonia mairei is a deciduous, herbaceous species native to the mountainous woodlands of central and southwestern China. It blooms in mid-spring, producing single, saucer-shaped flowers that are rose‑pink to fuchsia in tone and have a sweet, spicy fragrance. Following bloom, the flowers give way to glossy, star-shaped seed pods that mature into shiny dark seeds later in the season.
The plant features deeply-incised leaves with a glossy sheen, and thrives in shaded, woodland settings. It has earned a reputation for being reliably hardy across temperate climates and demonstrates sturdy performance even under partial shade. The lovely foliage and ornamental seed pods, combined with its fragrant mid-season flowers, make Paeonia mairei a treasured addition to woodland gardens and botanical collections alike.
DESCRIPTION
Paeonia mairei is a deciduous, herbaceous species native to the mountainous woodlands of central and southwestern China. It blooms in mid-spring, producing single, saucer-shaped flowers that are rose‑pink to fuchsia in tone and have a sweet, spicy fragrance. Following bloom, the flowers give way to glossy, star-shaped seed pods that mature into shiny dark seeds later in the season.
The plant features deeply-incised leaves with a glossy sheen, and thrives in shaded, woodland settings. It has earned a reputation for being reliably hardy across temperate climates and demonstrates sturdy performance even under partial shade. The lovely foliage and ornamental seed pods, combined with its fragrant mid-season flowers, make Paeonia mairei a treasured addition to woodland gardens and botanical collections alike.
DESCRIPTION
Paeonia mairei is a deciduous, herbaceous species native to the mountainous woodlands of central and southwestern China. It blooms in mid-spring, producing single, saucer-shaped flowers that are rose‑pink to fuchsia in tone and have a sweet, spicy fragrance. Following bloom, the flowers give way to glossy, star-shaped seed pods that mature into shiny dark seeds later in the season.
The plant features deeply-incised leaves with a glossy sheen, and thrives in shaded, woodland settings. It has earned a reputation for being reliably hardy across temperate climates and demonstrates sturdy performance even under partial shade. The lovely foliage and ornamental seed pods, combined with its fragrant mid-season flowers, make Paeonia mairei a treasured addition to woodland gardens and botanical collections alike.
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Height: 24–40 inches tall
Width: 24–36 inches wide
Foliage color: Young leaves emerge bronze-red, maturing to glossy medium to dark green divided foliage
Flower color: Single deep rose-pink blooms with golden-yellow stamens
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
Light requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
Water requirements: Moderate
Maintenance: Low—remove faded blooms; cut back foliage in late summer; division rarely needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 4–8
Wildlife attractors: Fragrant flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; deer-resistantThis plant can be seen at the Rhododendron Species Garden.
