Peonies are a timeless garden favourite, each variety bringing its own unique beauty. Let’s explore three stunning types:
Paeonia lactiflora (Herbaceous Peony): Known for its classic, fragrant blooms, lactiflora offers a wide range of soft pastel colors. These plants typically reach 60-90 cm in height and are perfect for borders or containers. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a reliable choice for any garden. Support tip: While lactiflora varieties are generally sturdy, tall blooms may require a peony support ring or stakes to prevent them from flopping over in strong winds or heavy rain.
Paeonia suffruticosa (Tree Peony): This variety stands out with its large, showy flowers and woody stems, reaching impressive heights of 1.2-1.5 metres. Tree peonies require a little more space but are worth the effort for their stunning, long-lasting blooms. Plant them in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil for the best results. Tips: Tree peonies needn't be staked. They are woody and keep their attractive stems all winter. benefit from additional support, such as a sturdy stake or a decorative plant cage, to keep their flowers upright and safe from wind.
Paeonia Itoh (Intersectional Peony): A rare and special hybrid, Itoh peonies combine the elegance of tree peonies with the beauty of herbaceous varieties. Their vibrant, multi-coloured blooms and sturdy stems make them stand out in any garden. These peonies typically grow to 60-90 cm in height, offering a bushy, compact habit that’s perfect for adding both beauty and resilience to your garden. Support tip: Although Itoh peonies are naturally more compact, using a gentle plant support or ring can help keep their large blooms from touching the ground, especially in wetter conditions.
Planting Tips:
For all peonies, choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Tree peonies benefit from some wind protection due to their height, while herbaceous and Itoh varieties are more adaptable to different garden spaces. Adding support when necessary ensures your peonies stay upright and look their best throughout the growing season.
We have plenty of peonies…
Varieties currently available below (list & prices correct at time of publication)
Paeonia lactiflora (Herbaceous Peony)
£22
Karl Rosenfeld - Deep red
Paula Fay - Soft pink (Award of Garden Merit, 2001 - Royal Horticultural Society)
Sarah Bernhardt – Soft pink (Award of Garden Merit, 1993 - Royal Horticultural Society)
Kansas - Bright red
Bouquet Perfect - Soft pink with yellow centre
Allertie - Light pink
Paeonia suffruticosa (Tree Peony)
£15 (some also at £14)
Lin Hua Zhan Lu - Deep pink
Tong Yun - White with pink edges
Xun Gang - Soft pink
Bai Xue Ta - White
Roy Fu Rung - Pale pink with yellow centres
Wu Lon Pen Sheng - Dark purple
Lan Bao Shi - Light pink with darker pink centres
Xue Ying Tao Hua - Light pink with slight lavender hues
Paeonia itoh (Intersectional Peony)
£22
First Arrival - Soft peach with hints of yellow
Cora Louise - Cream with pink blush
Canary Brilliants - Bright yellow
Bartzella - Yellow with red accents (Gold Medal, 1986 - Royal Horticultural Society)
All That Jazz - Deep pink with a hint of purple
Orange Victory - Vibrant orange
Old Rose Dandy - Soft rose pink
Border Charm - Soft peach with yellow undertones
Pastel Splendour - Soft pink with creamy yellow centres