Paeonia hybrida

Pall.

Paeoniaceae Edible: Root 326 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A self-fertile perennial growing 0.5 m tall with hermaphroditic insect-pollinated flowers. Adapts to sandy, loamy, and clay soils with mildly acid to basic pH. Grows in semi-shade or full light and prefers moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

The boiled roots are used to make a gruel.

Traditional Uses

The roots are boiled to make a porridge.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

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.

Distribution

It grows on stony slopes. It requires a neutral or alkaline soil. It can grow in sun or light shade. It cannot stand water-logging nor very dry conditions.

Where It Grows

Siberia,

Cultivation

Requires a deep rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline, doing quite well in sun or light 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. Very closely related to P. anomala and considered to be part of that species by some botanists. This plant is thought by some to be a hybrid between P. tenuifolia and P. anomala, though others claim that it is found growing wild. A very 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.

Propagation

Seed — best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Fresh seed produces a root around 6 weeks after sowing, with shoots forming in spring. Stored seed is much slower and may take 18 months or more to germinate, so sow as soon as possible. Because roots are very sensitive to disturbance, many growers leave seedlings in their pots for 2 growing seasons before potting on, which allows a more robust root system to develop. If doing this, sow thinly and apply regular liquid feeds during the growing season. Alternatively, prick seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame for at least two growing seasons before planting out in spring. Divide with great care in spring or autumn, ensuring each portion has a leaf bud. Standing the lifted root in shade for several hours makes it less brittle and easier to divide. Divisions with several buds generally flower in the second year; those with only one or two buds will take considerably longer.