Paeonia humilis

The Humilis Peony, also known as Paeonia officinalis subsp. microcarpa,  sometimes simply called the mountain peony, is a perennial botanical species native to the south of France. It is a sturdy and robust plant that prefers well-drained limestone soils and tolerates drought, well adapted to hot and dry climates. In spring it offers simple cup-shaped flowers of medium size in different shades of deep pink to cherry red, ranging to red-purple. The heart of the corolla is enhanced by yellow stamens. This radiant flowering is dotted with beautifully textured foliage that remains impeccable throughout the season.

The Humilis Peony, like many botanical peonies, has different identities: it is sometimes called Paeonia officinalis subsp. microcarpa, or alternatively Paeonia foeminea subsp. humilis. Very close to the Paeonia officinalis humilis, it differs only by the hairy aspect of the carpels that contain the seeds. It is an herbaceous perennial plant with fleshy rhizomes, native to southern Europe, from Portugal to Hungary and Greece, passing through France. In the wild it grows in clear thickets and on rocky slopes. It belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae or Paeoniaceae.

This plant is relatively hardy, especially when protected by a snowy mantle. Its growth is slow during the first years, with the plant eventually forming a bushy clump of about 35-40 cm (14-16in) in all directions. Its stems bear leaves composed of deeply divided leaflets with over 30 oblong or elliptical, pointed, and often lobed segments. The foliage is a fairly dark green colour, glabrous on the upper side, paler and hairy on the underside.  The flowers, in the form of a simple cup, appear from April to June depending on the climate, at the tips of the stems. They measure 7 to 13 cm (3 to 5in) in diameter and open almost flat. They are composed of shiny petals like ray florets, in different shades of red and deep pink depending on the individuals, and centred around a large heart of yellow stamens. This flowering is followed by the formation of black, round, and smooth seeds, which germinate after exposure to cold.

Peonies are among those plants that form the basis of a garden. Once upon a time, not so long ago, every garden from the most modest to the most elaborate proudly displayed clumps of peonies covered with fragrant flowers that made their way into the house, accompanying lilacs and bluebells in bouquets. The mountain peony, which can adapt to many growing conditions, thrives in well-drained beds, rockeries, or alongside paths, associated with timeless perennials chosen according to the region: columbines, bellflowers, foxgloves, or Christmas roses in rather moist soil, candytufts, rockroses, sun roses, germanders, lavenders, or sedums in drier climates. Growing it in a pot is not recommended as its needs will not be met. Over time the peony becomes majestic, multiplies, and blooms more abundantly.