SIBERIAN PEONY Paeonia anomala

A rare siberian species. Large, deep-rose blooms open like Meconopsis flowers, slowly flattening with age and displaying their centres of golden anthers. The flowers are perfumed like lily-of-the-valley! The leaves are attractive with very narrow segments.

Type: Shrub/Tree

Height: 60 cm, 1 m

Hardiness zones: 5-9

Location: Sun or part shade

Note: Ornamental use only. These plants or seeds may be poisonous.

Seeds per pack: 3

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.

Note, seeds may first form a root underground for a period of time before sprouting above ground, which may take some time. Patience is required for starting these seeds, but they are well worth the wait!