Companion Plants for Rhododendron Gardens
Paeonia - species
Rhododendrons are brilliantly colourful, attracting much attention in spring gardens. This fabulous garden colour can be enhanced and extended with the addition of species Paeonia growing in the sunnier borders.
Paeonia lactifolia
Paeonia lactiflora, the Chinese peony, require winter cold to induce plant dormancy
Many of the well-known peony hybrids such as ‘Bowl of Beauty’, ‘Festiva Maxima’, and ‘Shirley Temple’ are cultivars of Paeonia lactifolia, the Chinese peony. Among the many cultivars of Chinese peony, there are six peony flower types to choose from ranked from simple single-petal flowers to extremely full and heavy double-flowered types. Anemone, single, and Japanese types have relatively open, lightweight blossoms, while semi-double, double, and bomb types have much fuller, heavier blossoms that are sometimes susceptible to collapsing stems, especially after a rainfall.
Paeonia rockii
Paeonia rockii in the author’s garden
The Paeonia rockii in the photo above, may actually be one of the Gansu hybrids produced in China. The true species, as recently understood, exists as a wild plant in various sites in the mountains of central China. Seed collected from the wild Paeonia rockii are limited, and of specialized horticultural interest.
A true Paeonie rockii, according to Will McLewin proprietor of Phedar Nursery, UK.
Paeonia daurica
Paeonia daurica ssp daurica from a wild population in Montenegro
Paeonia daurica has a number of subspecies including Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii, often referred to as ’Molly the Witch’. The common name does not make much sense unless you try to pronounce the Latin name
Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii
Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii, a species from Caucasus, has rhubarb-red new growth as it emerges. It has dusty blue-green foliage. Large buds open to bright, clear, single yellow flowers in April.
This species peony prefers rich and moist, well-drained soil in sun to part shade and is hardy on the Island.
Paeonia mairei
Paeonia mairei is a woodland species peony
Steve Hootman, Curator and Director of the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, collected this exceptional species in China.
Narrow leaflets with a distinct sheen provide backing for the fat dark-pink flower buds that often emerge in the early to mid-spring before the leaves. This gives an extended period of tantalization before the impressive pink flowers open. An added bonus are the lovely, shiny, black seeds arrayed in the starfish-shaped seed pods.
This species is best in light shade, although part sun such as morning sun is perfectly okay.
Paeonia mairie, displays lovely, green textured foliage