Paeonia anomala
This cold‑tolerant herbaceous peony bears single magenta‑pink flowers and finely divided foliage.
It stands out for reliability in short, cool growing seasons.
Plants perform best in full sun to light shade with well‑drained soil.
Bloom is late spring in most cold regions of North America.
Clumps are long‑lived and prefer to be left undisturbed.
Foliage is less filigreed than fernleaf peony but finer than common garden peony.
Fragrance is usually light.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Herbaceous peony
- Height × spread: 24–36 in × 18–30 in (60–90 cm × 45–75 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring
- Color & flower form: magenta‑pink; single
- Fragrance: 1
- USDA hardiness: 3–7 (varies by climate)
- Origin: Northern Asia
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- More shade‑tolerant than many herbaceous peonies.
- Earlier to bloom than the typical Chinese peony in cold climates.
- Leaves are finely divided but not thread‑like as in fernleaf peony.
- Often one main flower per stem.
Strengths
- Very cold‑hardy and dependable in northern gardens.
- Natural, informal look suits meadow edges and mixed borders.
- Tolerates light shade and ordinary garden soils.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun to light shade; cooler afternoon exposures are helpful in warm zones.
- Soil: well‑drained loam; neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Water: even spring moisture; reduce irrigation after bloom.
- Feeding: light compost in early spring; avoid high‑nitrogen fertilizer.
- Planting: set buds 1–2 in below soil; avoid deep mulch on the crown.
- Maintenance: deadhead; cut foliage to the ground after frost; divide only if needed.
Watch‑outs
- Heat and high humidity can shorten bloom and foliage life.
- Requires good drainage; avoid standing water.
- Resents frequent division.
Best uses (tags)
borders; naturalized; cold‑climate; early season
Provenance note
Native from northeastern European Russia to Mongolia and long grown in cold‑climate gardens.
References
- Kew: Plants of the World Online — Paeonia anomala
- Iowa State University Extension: Growing Peonies
- ASPCA: Peony toxicity (Paeonia spp.)
