With the sun on the petals this Paeonia coriacea is seen at its best. Each herbaceous shoot bestowed with flower. A native to Morocco where it was collected from a valley slope of limestone, west of the Rif Mountains at 1495m. An area of high rainfall it associates with Cedrus atlantica, Taxus baccata, Daphne sp., and Berberis sp.

The pink petals surround an explosion of yellow anthers interspersed with three pink styles appended atop their stigma; resembling the two sections of a scallop. The stigma is curled as a shepherds crook loosing this delicate shape during maturity. Similarly; as the days progress the colour drains from the petals leaving the pollen shed from the anthers visible.

A strong plant reaching 1m in height and similar spread. Just now standing unsupported. As with most Peonies it will splay apart as the growing season progresses. Ideally, a discreet support framework should be in place before this happens.

Paeonia coriacea

Paeonia coriacea