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Useful Temperate Plants

Paeonia delavayi

Franch.

Paeoniaceae


The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

+ Synonyms

Common Name: Tree Peony

No Image.

General Information

Paeonia delavayi is a

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

11
Title
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Publication
 
Author
Bean. W.
Publisher
Murray
Year
1981
ISBN
-
Description
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
,
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.

Range

E. Asia - China in Yunnan and Likiang.

Habitat

Shady, moist areas of pine forests, in forest clearings and among scrub at altitudes of between 3,050 - 3,650 metres[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
].

Properties

Edibility Rating *
Medicinal Rating *  *  *
HabitDeciduous Shrub
Height1.60 m
PollinatorsInsects
Self-fertileYes

Cultivation Details

An easily grown and undemanding plant[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
], it prefers a deep rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
], doing quite well in sun or light shade[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
]. Prefers a limy soil and a sheltered position[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and on chalk[
184
Title
Shrubs.
Publication
 
Author
Phillips. R. & Rix. M.
Publisher
Pan Books
Year
1989
ISBN
0-330-30258-2
Description
Excellent photographs and a terse description of 1,900 species and cultivars.
].Plants are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but will not survive if the soil becomes waterlogged or is too dry[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
]. 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[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
].
Hardy to about -20°c[
184
Title
Shrubs.
Publication
 
Author
Phillips. R. & Rix. M.
Publisher
Pan Books
Year
1989
ISBN
0-330-30258-2
Description
Excellent photographs and a terse description of 1,900 species and cultivars.
], plants do better in the north of Britain than they do in the south and are generally best if given an open northerly aspect[
11
Title
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Publication
 
Author
Bean. W.
Publisher
Murray
Year
1981
ISBN
-
Description
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
].
A very ornamental and long-lived plant[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
], it grows rapidly and produces lots of lateral shoots[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
]. It grows best in areas with long hot summers[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
] and requires an airy position because it is very subject to fungal attack[
11
Title
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Publication
 
Author
Bean. W.
Publisher
Murray
Year
1981
ISBN
-
Description
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
This species comes into growth early in the year but unlike P. suffruticosa it does not seem to be subject to damage by late frosts[
11
Title
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Publication
 
Author
Bean. W.
Publisher
Murray
Year
1981
ISBN
-
Description
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
]. It is probably best still given a position sheltered from the early morning sun. The branches are brittle and very subject to wind damage, especially when young[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
This species is closely related to P. lutea[
11
Title
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Publication
 
Author
Bean. W.
Publisher
Murray
Year
1981
ISBN
-
Description
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[
233
Title
Perennial Garden Plants
Publication
 
Author
Thomas. G. S.
Publisher
J. M. Dent & Sons, London.
Year
1990
ISBN
0 460 86048 8
Description
A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.
].
A very greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
The plant does not really need much pruning apart from removing dead or diseased stems. It is, however, very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back to ground level if it requires rejuvenation[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
Strongly resents root disturbance, taking some time to recover after being divided[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
].
Peony species are usually self-fertile, though they will also hybridise with other species if these flower nearby at the same time[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
]. This species will often self-sow freely when well sited[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
].
Plants take 4 - 5 years to flower from seed[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. They generally breed true from seed[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
].
Cultivated in China as a medicinal plant[
214
Title
The New Plantsman. Volume 1, 1994.
Publication
 
Author
Matthews. V.
Publisher
Royal Horticultural Society
Year
1994
ISBN
1352-4186
Description
A quarterly magazine, it has articles on Himalayacalamus hookerianus, hardy Euphorbias and an excellent article on Hippophae spp.
].

Edible Uses

The following use is for P. suffruticosa. It quite probably also applies to this closely-related species.[K - see 214].

Flowers - cooked[
46
Title
Dictionary of Economic Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Uphof. J. C. Th.
Publisher
Weinheim
Year
1959
ISBN
-
Description
An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.
,
61
Title
A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man.
Publication
 
Author
Usher. G.
Publisher
Constable
Year
1974
ISBN
0094579202
Description
Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.
,
177
Title
Plants for Human Consumption.
Publication
 
Author
Kunkel. G.
Publisher
Koeltz Scientific Books
Year
1984
ISBN
3874292169
Description
An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of Latin names with a brief list of edible parts.
]. The fallen flower petals are parboiled and sweetened for a teatime delicacy, or can be cooked in various dishes[
183
Title
Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Facciola. S.
Publisher
Kampong Publications
Year
1990
ISBN
0-9628087-0-9
Description
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.
].

Medicinal

The bark obtained from the root has an antimicrobial effect upon various bacteria, including Escherichia coli, typhoid, cholera, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus hemolyticus and Pneumococci[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
]. The root is also anti-inflammatory and has been used with success in the treatment of arthritic joint swelling[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
]. The root is also analgesic, sedative and anticonvulsant, it has a high success rate in the treatment of dysentery and can also be used to treat allergic rhinitis[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of fevers, boils, menstrual disorders, nosebleeds, ulcers, irritability and gastro-intestinal infections[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
]. This remedy should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
].
The herb acts as a synergist when used with liquorice (Glycyrrhiza spp)[
218
Title
Medicinal Plants of China
Publication
 
Author
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
Publisher
Reference Publications, Inc.
Year
1985
ISBN
0-917256-20-4
Description
Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
].
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[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
]. When sown fresh, the seed produces a root about 6 weeks after sowing with shoots formed in the spring[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. Stored seed is much slower, it should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame but may take 18 months or more to germinate[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. The roots are very sensitive to disturbance, so many growers allow the seedlings to remain in their pots for 2 growing seasons before potting them up. This allows a better root system to develop that is more resilient to disturbance[
250
Title
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies.
Publication
 
Author
Page. M.
Publisher
David & Charles. Newton Abbot.
Year
1997
ISBN
0 7153 0531 X
Description
A nice little book on the genus, giving information on their cultivation and a little info on plant uses.
]. If following this practice, make sure you sow the seed thinly, and give regular liquid feeds in the growing season to ensure the plants are well fed. We usually prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and then grow them on in a cold frame for at least two growing seasons before planting them out when they are in growth in the spring[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2024-10-10. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Paeonia+delavayi>

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