Paeonia suffruticosa Red 15cm

A true garden classic, this tree peony brings an air of timeless elegance to the border. This red-flowered variety produces large, richly coloured blooms — single or semi-double depending on stock — held above deeply divided, blue-green foliage on an upright, woody framework that, unlike herbaceous peonies, doesn't die back to ground level each year.

Slow-growing but long-lived, it reaches a mature height of 1.5–2.5m with a spread of around 1–1.5m over 5–10 years, forming a handsome, sparsely branched shrub. Plant in deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that's moist but well-drained, in full sun or partial shade, choosing an open position sheltered from cold, drying winds — young growth and early flowers are vulnerable to late frosts.

A superb specimen plant for cottage and courtyard gardens alike, and one that rewards patience with decades of spring display.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.