Paeonia rockii hybrid

Germination

Sow immediately. Sow directly in autumn. Sow 5cm deep into prepared soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Space seeds 25cm apart. Allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Indoors sow at any time, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost in 10-15cm pots. Propagate or place in a clear polythene bag. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 3 months approx. Once germinated move the pot to a cold place, 4°C, the fridge is ideal, until spring, 2-4 months. Move to a nursery bed in spring and grow on for 1 year. Mulch in winter. Move to final position the following spring.

Growing

Prefers a neutral, humus-rich soil. Will tolerate slightly acid or alkaline soils. Prefers full sun but can be grown in light shade. Good drainage is essential. Fully hardy but new growth can be damaged by frost so protect accordingly.

Cultivation

Pruning group 1. No routine pruning necessary. Prune if needed in late winter or early spring. After pruning mulch and feed. Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Propagate by seed or via semi-ripe cuttings in early-mid summer.