Paeony / Peony

Paeonia lactiflora Bowl of Beauty

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to July
• Flower colour: pink
• Other features: mid-green leaves
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Fascinating, carmine-red, pink-tinted flowers with a creamy centre from early to midsummer and mid-green leaves. Like a giant anemone, the centres of these extraordinary, scented flowers are packed full of tiny, strap-like petals. An excellent specimen plant for the middle of a border in full sun or partial shade.
  
  
• Garden care: Deadhead after flowering. In early spring apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser around the base of the plant and mulch with well-rotted compost or manure. Fungal diseases may occur in cool, wet springs so prune out any affected parts and spray the remaining sections with fungicide.