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Paeonia tenuifolia (Fernleaf Peony)

Fernleaf Peony, Fennel-Leaved Peony, Slender-Leaved Peony, Paeonia carthalinica, Paeonia hybrida

Paeonia tenuifolia,Fernleaf Peony, Fennel-Leaved Peony, Slender-Leaved Peony, Paeonia carthalinica, Paeonia hybrida, Red Peonies, Red flowers, Red Peony
Paeonia tenuifolia,Fernleaf Peony, Fennel-Leaved Peony, Slender-Leaved Peony, Paeonia carthalinica, Paeonia hybrida, Red Peonies, Red flowers, Red Peony

One of the earliest peonies to flower in the spring, Paeonia tenuifolia (Fernleaf Peony) is a shrubby, herbaceous perennial adorned with finely-divided, feathery foliage and eye-catching single flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm). The blossoms, one per stem, are dark crimson-red and adorned with contrasting golden-yellow stamens in their center. They show off nicely against the attractive, needle-like foliage. This native to southeastern Europe, Turkey and Caucasus is attractive when planted in groups or as a specimen.

  • Blooming in late spring – early summer, this very early season peony will flower for approximately 7-10 days.
  • Reliable and vigorous, this herbaceous peony grows up to 24 in. in height (60 cm) and 18 in. in spread (45 cm). The foliage remains attractive throughout summer until frost before dying to the ground after frost.
  • Enjoys full sun or part shade in rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Peony plants grow best in full sun but will tolerate some light afternoon shade. Provide a sheltered location.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant but attractive to butterflies!
  • Virtually pest free. Watch for honey fungus and peony wilt.
  • Very useful and adaptable in the garden. Perfect as a specimen plant or in groups for borders and bedscottage gardens. Ideal for bordering a walk or driveway and as an informal hedge.
  • Low maintenance. Remove spent flowers as they fade, then cut back plant after the foliage has died down in fall. 
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Peonies: How to Grow and Care with Success


Beloved for the beauty of their exquisite flowers and their handsome foliage, which often turn shades of rust and orange in the fall, Peonies require little maintenance as long as they are planted properly and establish themselves.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Paeoniaceae
Genus Paeonia
Common names Fernleaf Peony, Peony
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Pillow Talk’ (Peony)
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Minnie Shaylor’ (Peony)
Paeonia ‘Lemon Chiffon’ (Peony)
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Moonstone’ (Peony)
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Cheddar Charm’ (Peony)
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Cora Stubbs’ (Peony)

Recommended Companion Plants

Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea Nana’ (Japanese Barberry)
Anemone sylvestris (Snowdrop Anemone)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Peonies that Do Not Require Staking
Peonies: How to Grow and Care with Success
Yellow Peonies per Blooming Season
White Peonies per Blooming Season
Pink Peonies per Blooming Season
Red Peonies per Blooming Season
Pretty Late Blooming Peonies for your Spring Garden
Midseason Peonies for your Spring Garden
Pretty Early Blooming Peonies for your Spring Garden
Very Early Blooming Peonies for your Spring Garden
Early Blooming Peonies for your Spring Garden
Early Midseason Peonies for your Spring Garden
Late Midseason Peonies for your Spring Garden
Late Season Peonies for your Spring Garden
Fragrant Peonies
Award-Winning Peonies
Peonies Resistant to Rain and Heat
Extend the Blooming Season of Your Peonies
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Paeoniaceae
Genus Paeonia
Common names Fernleaf Peony, Peony
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Paeonia (Peony)
Guides with
Paeonia (Peony)
Not sure which Paeonia (Peony) to pick?
Compare Now

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