Paeonia

Whether species or hybrids they need to be planted in a good sized hole, with good drainage, but not too deep. Buds or 'eyes' no more than a couple of inches below the surface. Flowers will last longer if sited away from strong winds. Mulch over winter. Grown for the often divided leaves and large colourful flowers. Most of the 30 or so species are herbaceous, from the Mediterranean and Caucasus, generally growing in scrub or open conditions. The shrubby tree peonies are from China and Tibet.

The extravagant flowers of peonies are almost all well-provided with nectar and pollen, aside from those that are fully doubled in which supernumerary petals replace the naughty bits. Bees, wasps and hoverflies are attracted to the resources of the flowers, with often several individuals occupying each open flower.