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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Paeonia caucasica.

Material uses

A red dye is obtained from the flowers[1]. It has been used to dye cloth and paper[2].

A fatty oil is obtained from the seed[1][2]. No uses of the oil are given[K].

The seeds are used as beads in necklaces etc[1][2].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

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[2].

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[2]. When sown fresh, the seed produces a root about 6 weeks after sowing with shoots formed in the spring[3]. 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[3]. 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[2]. 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]. Division with great care in spring or autumn. Each portion must have a leaf bud. If the lifted root is stood in shade for several hours it becomes less brittle and easier to divide[3]. Divisions that have several buds will usually flower in the second year, but those that only have one or two buds will take a number of years before they have grown sufficiently to flower[2].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Paeonia caucasica. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a deep rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline[4], doing quite well in sun or light shade[4][3]. Plants are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but will not survive if the soil becomes waterlogged or is too dry[2]. This species is lime tolerant[3]. 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[2].

This species is not recognized by many botanists, who view it as no more than a synonym of P. mascula[2]. A long-lived plant, specimens can survive in the garden for at least 50 years[3]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[5]. A very greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[6]. Strongly resents root disturbance, taking some time to recover after being divided[4]. Peony species are usually self-fertile, though they will also hybridise with other species if these flower nearby at the same time[2].

Plants take 4 - 5 years to flower from seed[3]. They generally breed true from seed[4].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Paeonia caucasica. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Paeonia caucasica.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Paeonia caucasica
Genus
Paeonia
Family
Paeoniaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.4 Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)
    2. ? 2.002.012.022.032.042.052.062.072.082.092.102.112.12 Page. M. The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies. David & Charles. Newton Abbot. ISBN 0 7153 0531 X (1997-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.53.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    5. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    6. ? Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)
    7. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-50