Paeonia japonica

Sometimes confused with P. obovata alba, this is a distinct woodland species from Japan with bright green foliage, enjoying a semi-shaded site. Making a rounded hummock 50cm high by 80cm across, it bears many globular white flowers in April/May; the yellow stamens contrasting with dark-burgundy basal markings inside. The seed pods open in late summer to reveal metallic-blue seeds which contrast with bright scarlet infertile seeds. For any reasonable soil in semi-shade.