Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Baroness Schroeder' 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 'Baroness Schroeder' 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 and cut flowers. It is native to Central and eastern Asia.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Baroness Schroeder' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial that reaches about 0.8 m and produces large, mildly fragrant blooms in May to June. Leaves are deeply divided and often show a bronze flush when young. It favours a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade and performs best in deep, fertile loam or clay kept moist but well drained. Plants are winter-hardy to H6–H7 and suit traditional mixed borders and cutting beds.

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 'Baroness Schroeder' belongs to the Paeoniaceae and is part of the group of herbaceous peonies that originate from central and eastern Asia. It forms upright, clump-forming plants to about 0.8 m with deciduous, deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed as the season begins. The flowers are mildly fragrant and appear in the UK in May to June. Give this peony a position in full sun to partial shade, avoiding deep shade and locations where early morning sun will strike frosted buds. Choose a deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; the soil should remain moist but well drained. A sheltered aspect reduces winter desiccation and physical damage to the flowering stems. It is winter-hardy in the UK to H6–H7 (roughly USDA zones 3–8), so plants tolerate severe winters when established. Paeonia lactiflora 'Baroness Schroeder' suits the middle of a mixed border or a dedicated cutting patch where stems can be taken in season. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after frost to feed next year’s buds, and position plants where their upright habit can be supported by surrounding perennials. For cut flowers, harvest stems when a few petals begin to unfurl to obtain the best vase performance.

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 'Baroness Schroeder' 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

Native to

Central and eastern Asia

Fragrance

Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Baroness Schroeder'

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)