Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert' grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates deep and fertile loam or clay soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6–H7. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and garden beds. It is native to China.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert' is a clump-forming, upright perennial with fragrant spring flowers. It reaches about 0.8 m and has deeply divided foliage that often shows a bronze flush when young. Flowering occurs in May to June, and the variety is commonly used in borders and for cut flowers. Plants prefer full sun to partial shade in a sheltered position.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paeonia lactiflora

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 lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert' originates from China and belongs to the Paeoniaceae family; it is a herbaceous, clump-forming perennial grown for its scented spring blooms. The plant forms an upright habit to about 0.8 m, with deciduous, deeply divided leaves that frequently show a bronze flush when they first emerge. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade, avoiding deep shade and early-morning sun on buds when frosts are likely. It favours deep, fertile loam or clay soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline and moist but well drained; choose a sheltered spot to reduce stem damage in exposed sites. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), meaning it will withstand most UK winter conditions when given reasonable protection from strong winds. Use Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert' in mixed borders, perennial beds or as a dedicated cut-flower plant; the fragrant blooms are a reliable late-spring feature. Take care with pets, as parts can cause skin irritation—see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information. Expect fragrant flowers in May to June.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Paeonia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade

Soil type

Deep, fertile loam or clay

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Soil moisture

Moist but well drained

Aspect

Any but deep shade; avoid early morning sun on frosted buds

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6–H7

Plant details

Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump-forming, upright

Foliage

Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young

Height

0.8 m

Suggested uses

Borders, cut flowers, garden beds

Native to

China

Fragrance

Flower

Toxicity

Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Auguste Dessert'

Cultivation

Plant herbaceous peonies with the crown no more than 3cm below the surface — deep planting is the commonest reason a clump never flowers. Enrich the ground thoroughly before planting, then leave undisturbed, and support the heaviest doubles before the buds open.

Pruning

Cut herbaceous stems to ground level once the foliage has died back in autumn and clear the debris away, which reduces the risk of peony wilt. Tree peonies need only dead or crossing wood removed after flowering.

Propagation

Divide herbaceous crowns in late autumn into sections carrying at least three dormant buds with roots attached, and only once flowering begins to decline. Tree peonies are grafted or layered; seed is slow and variable.

Pest resistance

Rarely troubled by pests. Ants on swelling buds are drawn to the nectar and do no harm.

Disease resistance

Susceptible to peony wilt in damp seasons; open spacing and prompt removal of affected growth are the best defence.

Frequently asked questions

More in the Paeonia genus

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  Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
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  Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
• 
  Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)