RED PEONY Paeonia officinalis banatica

Absolutely stunning and massive red flowers (or a very, very deep pink) cover this peony, which forms a large shrub that is quite hardy, even in cold climates!

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 5-8

Height: 70 cm, 28"

Location: Part shade, or morning/evening sun.

Seed size: These seeds are very large!

Note: Ornamental use only. Many plants have poisonous parts, these included. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous.

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period.

Alternatively, these seeds can also be planted outdoors in fall, winter, or early spring, while temperatures are still cold (but ground is workable) to germinate naturally in spring. Be sure to mark the area where you planted them, and that the soil is consistently moist.