Rock's peony (Paeonia rockii)
Care, watering, light and tips for Rock's peony on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Paeoniaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Rock's peony
Paeonia rockii, also known as 'zi ban mu dan' or Rock's tree peony, is a woody peony species native to China. It is distinguished by its large, fragrant white flowers with a dark purple to black basal blotch on each petal, which emerge in late spring. Its shrubby habit and striking blooms make it ideal as a specimen plant in the garden or in mixed borders.
Native range
Central and Western China
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade, preferably with some afternoon shade in hot climates to protect the blooms. The soil should be deep, fertile, well-drained, and slightly alkaline. Water regularly during the first year and in dry periods, but avoid waterlogging as it is susceptible to root rot. A common mistake is planting it too deeply; the graft union should be at or just below ground level.
How to save a dying Rock's peony
- Warning signs
- Yellowing/wilting leaves, soft shoots, no blooms or deformed flowers.
- First aid
- Check drainage, remove affected leaves. Re-pot if soil is heavy.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot), compacted soil, lack of light or too much shade, late frosts.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the root isn't completely rotted. Act quickly to fix the main issue.