Paeonia tenuifolia 'Rubra Flora Plena'Fernleaf Peony
Type Perennial
Hardy range 3A to 8A
Height 12" to 15" / 30cm to 40cm
Spread 12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm
Growth rate Average
Form Rounded
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Bloom Color Red
Bloom Time Spring
The flowers are fragrant, very showy, suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.
Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.
Leaf Color Green
This plant has attractive foliage.
Culture Notes
When planting Paeonia, place the "eyes" of the roots between 1"-2" below the surface. Needs partial shade in hotter climates. Some of these plants that have heavy blooms may need staking to support the blooms. The buds of this plant attract ants, and it is thought that the ants help the buds open. Peonies should be planted in areas with good air circulation. However, established plants are best left undisturbed. Avoid watering overhead when the plants are setting buds. Removal of the lateral buds on the stem will allow the single flower to grow larger. Remove flower heads as soon as they start to fade. In autumn remove foliage to ground and destroy it. Do not compost this to prevent the spread of disease. When preparing the planting bed, incorporate equal amounts of composted oak leaf mulch and coarse sand to your soil. Some plants will want a small amount of lime added to the soil.
'Rubra Flora Plena' has deep red, double flowers and fernlike, deep green foliage.