Paeonia Mairei

Maire's peony is an early-flowering woodland species from central China, forming a compact clump of dissected dark green foliage flushed bronze-red as it emerges. Short stems carry large single pink flowers close above the leaves, each bloom lightly and spicily scented around a prominent centre of golden stamens. Its early season and shade tolerance distinguish it from many border peonies, making it excellent beneath open shrubs or on a sheltered woodland edge. Deep humus-rich soil, reliable moisture and protection from late frost bring out its best qualities.