Its a paeony. Propagation is normally by division or from seed - never heard of taking cuttings but no harm in trying. But new plants take a long time to get established - you might be better off buying a new one. There are some fabulous colours as well as this red one.

Thank you for answering my question, I will have a go at dividing the plant...if my Mum will let me!

What your mum might know is that paeonies don't like root disturbance, and sometimes sulk for a couple of years or more after being split, which means no flowers during that time until it decides it's feeling better.

My mum wouldn't know that Bamboo, but as it doesn't like root disturbance I will have to leave it alone. My mum is elderly and enjoys her plants when they are flowering and she is particularly proud of this one as it always has masses of large flowers - the only plants she remembers the names of now are the roses - even weeds she swears are plants!

Hi Caron, your mother is right, weeds are plants, just ones that you don't want!!, Derek.

Derekm...I know you are right, but my mum has taken it to a new level. One weed she insisted was a palm tree! It wasn't of course.

Hi Caron, I'm very sorry to hear that, it must be very difficult for you to convince her otherwise, Derek.

Hmm, sounds like your mums like mine is now, and the best thing is not to argue, unless it's critically important caron. My mum often thinks I'm my sister, sometimes other people, but I just smile and ignore it, its not worth upsetting her, she won't remember in five minutes anyway. In the circs, leaving the paeony alone is probably a wise course.