Japanese forest peony (Paeonia obovata) Genus:  Paeonia

We’ve been cheerleaders for wild species peonies for years. Although they may not have the big flowers of peony hybrids, like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’, they are in a classy category all their own. Among our favorites is Japanese forest peony, not because of its blooms but because of its stunning fall seedpods. In late summer or early fall, the pods begin to split, revealing gleaming, blue-black pearls nestled among infertile, brilliant red seeds. To us, this display trumps the flowers and is longer lasting.

 

Noteworthy Characteristics:  The new growth of this plant opens a showy red color before eventually turning green. By late spring, the mounded foliage plays attendant to small pink floral goblets (photo, inset). As much as you may be tempted to cut the blooms, put down those shears because the best is yet to come. The ethereal and fleeting flowers give way to peculiar starfish-shaped seedpods, which slowly gain size as the season progresses before bursting open in fall. The showy seeds happen at a time when the garden is waning, so they reign supreme. Amid all this beauty, don’t forget about the practical implications: Those seeds enable you to grow more gorgeous Japanese forest peonies. Care: 

Peonies resent waterlogged soils or soils that are too sandy. They will also struggle to flower if planted too
deep. Be sure to remove spent foliage in fall to prevent fungal spores from overwintering.

 

-Kelly Dodson and Sue Milliken own Far Reaches Farm in Port Townsend, Washington. From Fine Gardening issue #147, Like it / love it.

Overview

Height 28 to 36 in. Spread 28 to 36 in. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Part Shade Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Pink Type Perennials