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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Paeonia mascula.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Paeonia mascula.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The root is antispasmodic and tonic[1][2][3]. 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[4].

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[4]. When sown fresh, the seed produces a root about 6 weeks after sowing with shoots formed in the spring[5]. 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[5]. 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[4]. 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[5]. 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[4].

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



Cultivation

Requires a deep rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline[6], doing quite well in sun or light shade[6][5]. Plants are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but will not survive if the soil becomes waterlogged or is too dry[4]. This species is lime tolerant[5]. 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[4]. The sub-species P. mascula mascula succeeds in dry soils, its roots are subject to slug damage in moist soils[7]. The sub-species P. mascula hellenica. Tzanoudakis. comes into growth early in the year and may require protection from late frosts[7].

Plants are generally hardy to about -15°c[7], though some forms, especially the sub-species P. mascula hellenica, might need frost protection[4]. A very ornamental[6] and long-lived plant, living for 50 years or more in the garden[5]. A polymorphic species, there are at least 5 recognised sub-species[5][4]. This species was cultivated as a medicinal plant in the Middle Ages[4]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[8]. A very greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. A polymorphic species, there are a number of sub-species[7]. Strongly resents root disturbance, taking some time to recover after being divided[6]. Peony species are usually self-fertile, though they will also hybridise with other species if these flower nearby at the same time[4].

Plants take 4 - 5 years to flower from seed[5]. They generally breed true from seed[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Paeonia mascula. 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 mascula.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Paeonia mascula
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
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
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
1 x 1 meters
Fertility
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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"image:Illustration Paeonia mascula0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Paeonia mascula0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.



"image:Illustration Paeonia mascula0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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References

  1. ? 1.01.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  4. ? 4.004.014.024.034.044.054.064.074.084.094.10 Page. M. The Gardener's Guide to Growing Peonies. David & Charles. Newton Abbot. ISBN 0 7153 0531 X (1997-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.75.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.3 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
  8. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
  9. ? Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press ISBN 0-7012-0784-1 (1987-00-00)

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