Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' (Duchesse de Nemours Peony) — Bushy

Overview

Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and coastal.

About

Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' is a lactiflora peony in the family Paeoniaceae. It produces seasonal blooms in May to June. The cultivar is grown for its spring flowering and is suited to mixed borders and cutting beds. Allow established plants to remain undisturbed for the best flowering in subsequent years.

About the genus

The peony or paeony is any flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae. Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. Scientists differ on the number of species that can be distinguished, ranging from 25 to 40, although the current consensus describes 33 known species.

Wikipedia contributors, "Peony", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Peony

In the garden

Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' sits within the Paeoniaceae family as a cultivar of the lactiflora group. As a flowering perennial it performs its main display in May to June, when the stems carry the season’s blooms. The plant’s growth habit means it contributes a concentrated burst of late-spring interest rather than season-long colour. Plant with the crown close to soil level and choose a site with good drainage; avoid waterlogged positions. A sunny or lightly sheltered aspect helps flowers open well, while established roots prefer not to be moved, so select a permanent position. Mulch over winter to protect roots and lift any weak, long stems with simple supports during the flowering period if required. Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' suits the front to middle of a mixed border, a perennial bed dedicated to cut flowers, or grouped for a focused spring display. Leave foliage in place after flowering until it dies back naturally so the plant can rebuild reserves for the following season. Expect a few seasons for a young plant to fully establish; keeping the crown undisturbed will encourage reliable May–June flowering in subsequent years.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Paeonia

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours'

Cultivation: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Avoid disturbing the roots once established. Mulch in autumn to protect from frost.
Pruning: Cut back foliage to ground level after it has died down in autumn.
Propagation: Division in autumn or early spring
Pest resistance: Leaf and bud eelworm, Soil-dwelling swift moth larvae
Disease resistance: Virus, Honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, Peony leaf blotch, Peony wilt

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours'?

Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Avoid disturbing the roots once established. Mulch in autumn to protect from frost.

Where is the best place to plant Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours'?

Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' need?

Paeonia lact. 'Duchesse de Nemours' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.