Paeony / Peony

Paeonia lactiflora Sarah Bernhardt

• 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: ideal as cut flowers
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Enormous, rose pink, fragrant, double summer flowers and mid green leaves. This magnificent, late-flowering, pale pink peony has been popular since the Edwardian era. To support the large flowers stake in spring using bamboo canes or metal link stakes. An excellent specimen plant for a partially sunny border.
  
  
• 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.