Paeonia qiui

Paeonia qiui.  China.  Species.  A rarely seen species in cultivation and well worth growing.  Plants are approximately 15 inches tall in Wisconsin, and bloom is the first among the woody peonies.  Flowers are white, overlaid with pink highlights, and will fade to nearly white.  This plant often grows and blooms during periods of frost in Wisconsin and is typically resistant to temperatures in the mid to low 20°Fs (given temperatures are not protracted).  Early on, the rounded leaflets are red in color and turn green with red borders as they age.  We find it does best in full sun without competition.  Soil must be well-draining, and plants are very drought-resistant.  Plants are small in habit and take a bit of time to establish, but are not difficult.  Excellent and recommended for the Paeonia connoisseur.  Plants may sucker short distances from other stems.  Our offering is for small blooming-size plants (they are small growers). Ships in late September to mid-October.  AGE: Field-grown, 3+ year old graft or division from larger plants – our choice of available plant material upon harvest.