This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Impressive, double-flowered 'Bai Yuan Hong Xia' has luxuriant, deep-magenta blooms with golden yellow stamens on close inspection and a heady fragrance too! Pop it in a sheltered sunny or partially shaded spot to contain and trap the sweetly scented perfume. Flowering from late spring to early summer, this is a strong vigorous peony that is tolerant of low temperature during the bud development stage and stands up to the frosts well.
  Our woody-stemmed peonies are field-grown, sturdy plants with extensive roots that have been potted up since lifting in the Autumn. When purchasing earlier in the season (Feb-March) the root system should be well developed although you may find some compost falls away when you are planting them out and this is perfectly natural for the time of year.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant 'Bai Yuan Hong Xia' with well-rotted garden compost or manure and some mycorrhizal fungi. In early spring apply a top-dressing of a balanced slow-release fertiliser around the base of the plant and mulch well with organic matter. Deadhead after flowering. The older stems of tree peonies have a tendency to become brittle and snap so cut these back to the ground in autumn every two or three years.