Paeonia
| (Paeoniaceae). Peony. Genus of 30 or more species of clump forming perennials and deciduous shrubs (tree peonies) valued for their foliage and show blooms, in late spring. Found in meadows, scrub and rocky places from Europe to E. Asia and in W. North America. Grown for their large, brightly coloured, fragrant showy flowers and bold, dissected leaves. Some bear pod-like fruits each with 2-5 lobes and large black or red seeds. Herbaceous peonies with tuberous root stocks comprise the majority of species and cultivars. They bear solitary, bowl shaped flowers in single, semi-double, double or anemone-form. Tree peonies have woody stems often with lax branches. Dress yearly with surface mulches of bulky organic manure. Long lived plants but resent disturbance. Moist, well drained, fertile, humus-rich soil, in sun or light dappled shade best.
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