Paeonia 'Buckeye Belle'
peony
Garden hybrid (parent species native to Europe and Asia)
Overview
Paeonia spp. 'Buckeye Belle' is a herbaceous hybrid peony forming an upright clump 28–34 inches (70–85 cm) tall and 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) wide. In late spring it bears semi-double to double flowers 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) across in deep mahogany-red, the dark petals surrounding a center of golden stamens. It flowers near the start of the peony season, earlier than most garden peonies. The dark green leaves are deeply divided and turn bronze-tinted in autumn. The stems are strong enough to hold the flowers without staking, unlike the heavy double blooms of many P. lactiflora peonies that flop in rain. The plant dies back to the ground in winter and resprouts from fleshy crowns in spring. Each flower lasts about a week, and the overall bloom lasts two to three weeks. It is slow to settle after planting and may take two to three years to flower freely.
Native Range
Paeonia spp. 'Buckeye Belle' is a garden hybrid, raised in the United States in the 1950s, and does not occur in the wild. Its parent species in the genus Paeonia spp. are native to Europe and Asia.Suggested Uses
Paeonia spp. 'Buckeye Belle' is used in mixed and perennial borders and cutting gardens for its early, dark flowers, spaced 30–36 inches (75–90 cm) apart. It combines with later perennials that fill the space after its short bloom. The brief flowering season means it is in flower for only a few weeks each year.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'4" - 2'10"
Width/Spread2' - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring, near the start of the peony season, roughly May. The deep mahogany-red semi-double to double flowers open over two to three weeks, each lasting about a week. After bloom the plant carries divided foliage that lasts until autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Paeonia spp. 'Buckeye Belle' grows in full sun to light shade and moist, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It flowers most freely in full sun, and the crowns are planted with the buds no more than 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) deep, as deeper planting reduces flowering. Steady moisture supports growth, while waterlogged soil rots the crown. The plant is long-lived once settled and is sensitive to disturbance, so it is left in place rather than divided often. It dies back in winter and resprouts in spring. Little feeding is needed beyond compost in spring.Pruning
Cut the foliage to the ground in autumn after it dies back, which also reduces overwintering fungal spores. Spent flowers can be removed after bloom to tidy the plant. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall