Paeonia officinalis Anemoniflora

The Peony Paeonia officinalis ‘Anemoniflora’ is an old European variety with an early and atypical flowering reminiscent of anemones. Its large cherry-pink, semi-double flowers feature a dense heart of petaloids creating a superb textural effect. Compact and bushy, this perennial easily finds its place at the edge of a border or in a cottage garden. Its spicy fragrance, charming silhouette, and excellent robustness make it a reliable choice for all garden styles, from the most romantic to the most natural.

Paeonia officinalis ‘Anemoniflora’, from the Paeoniaceae family, is a herbaceous perennial peony. It is known as the common peony ‘Anemoniflora’, anemone-flowered peony, or sometimes anemone-centred peony. The type species, P. officinalis, is native to southern and central Europe, from Portugal to the Balkans, and is naturally found in open meadows, forest borders, and sunny limestone slopes. It is a perennial plant with a tuberous root system whose foliage dies back in autumn and reappears each spring.

Dating from before 1900, the cultivar ‘Anemoniflora’ is an old European selection. It differs from the species type by its more compact habit, semi-double flowers with a dense anemone-like centre, and earlier flowering. Its habit is both upright and rounded; the plant forms a clump of leaves reaching at maturity, after 3-4 years, 50 to 60 cm (more rarely 70 cm) in all directions. Its sturdy stems generally do not require staking. The delicately scented flowers measure 10 to 12 cm in diameter. They are semi-double, formed of an outer row of large, vivid rose-red petals surrounding a centre of stamens transformed into petaloids. These petaloids are almost red, sometimes dotted with orange-yellow. Flowering begins very early, between mid or late May, depending on the climate. The foliage consists of broad, dark green leaves divided into elongated, smooth segments which dry out in autumn after the first frosts.

Known and cultivated since the 19th century, The Paeonia officinalis ‘Anemoniflora’ comes from old European gardens where it was quickly noted for its extraordinary flowering. This form was introduced in England by the Reverend J.T. Huntley, who obtained it from Prince of Salm Dyck, a famous botanist and collector. At the time, it was still described as a botanical variety, Paeonia officinalis var. anemoniflora, due to the transformation of its stamens into narrow, spiralled, and acuminate petaloids. This floral mutation resembles the so-called 'anemone' forms of Japanese camellias and gives it a rare charm, at the interface of botany and ornament.

The peony ‘Anemoniflora’ is perfectly suited to a cottage garden, a flowering border, or a romantic bed. You can sow cornflower seeds near it, surround it with lady's mantle, blue hardy geraniums, or catmints which will flower after it. In a more structured setting, it can be paired with border boxwood or woodland sages. It also pairs well with late double tulips like 'Diamant Bleu' or 'Angélique' and its romantic style perfectly complements that of old garden roses.

Tips: Avoid liquid fertilisers and transplanting.