The pleasure of peonies
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I have to admit that peonies are one of my favourite flowers. Their voluptuous, sensual display may be short lived, but I also take pleasure in their red-tinged foliage emerging from the earth in spring, their impossibly plump buds and after the show the hint of leaf colour in autumn.
Aptly called ‘sho yu’ in Chinese, meaning ‘most beautiful’ and often known as the ‘king of all flowers’, peonies denote luxury and indulgence as well as being symbols of peace, happiness and prosperity for many cultures. They have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, originally for their medicinal qualities rather than for ornamentation.
Their botanical name Paeonia derives from the Greek. Paen was the physician to the gods and, after curing Pluto of a wound, he was changed into a flower to protect him from the jealousy of the other gods. The Ancient Greeks believed peonies could cure more than 20 ailments and every monastery had one.
Tree peonies and herbaceous peonies were introduced in the 19th century from China, adding to the varieties found in European gardens. They were extremely popular in Victorian and Edwardian Britain, but fell out of popularity between the two World Wars, with interest returning by the end of the 20th century.
In 1952, the famous gardener and writer, Vita Sackville–West describing her “gross Edwardian swagger ladies”, wrote: “The paeony has a place in our garden today, just as it did then, and the romance of this lovely flower remains as strong today”.
The Ancient Greeks believed peonies could cure more than 20 ailments
With over 5,000 herbaceous cultivars and hybrids in shades of pink, red, white and yellow, there are plenty to choose from. The most commonly cultivated Paeonia officinalis and P. lactiflora are very tough, hardy plants that are easy to grow and can tolerate drought. Bear in mind that these long-lived plants don’t like to be moved once established, so plan carefully.
Where better to see these beauties in Kent, than at Penshurst Place, which boasts the longest peony border in Britain? At its peak in June, the border will be a highlight of Penshurst’s second annual ‘Glorious Gardens Week’.
Visitors last year commented on the harmonious blending of the four or five hybrids used, being like an artist’s palette and also on the wonderful fragrance as they strolled along the lawned path.
Building on last year’s success, the event will also include lectures and demonstrations as varied as a visit from Tom Hart Dyke, from nearby Lullingstone Castle World Garden, to a plant clinic with head gardener, Philip Clinch.
A fine collection
The peony border was planted from a collection bought at Chelsea by Lord De L’Isle’s father in the 1980s, in an area of the 11-acre garden that was originally a vegetable plot. With this wonderfully rich, well-worked soil, the peonies have established and matured beautifully, giving a stunning massed display for two to three weeks each June.
Home to the Sidney family for more than 450 years, the historic gardens at Penshurst Place offer garden enthusiasts treats throughout the season, from March to the end of October. Sheltered behind mellow brick walls, cared for by generations and with records dating back to 1346, it is a rare surviving example of Elizabethan design.
The series of garden rooms, defined by yew hedges, present formal gardens such as the Italian Garden, Rose Garden and the Union Flag Garden along with herbaceous borders, an orchard and seasonal areas. From drifts of early daffodils, through summer’s exuberance to autumn colour, Penshurst Place is truly one of Kent’s treasures.
Words and pictures by Leigh Clapp