Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' — Bushy, Clump forming

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' is a bushy, clump forming shrubs in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' is a deciduous shrub cultivar within the Paeonia genus, known for its broad, lobed leaves and prominent, bowl-shaped blossoms that typically appear in early summer. This bushy, clump-forming plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers sheltered positions with moist but well-drained soil, including chalk, clay, loam, or sand types across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is well suited to city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds. It is best planted with crowns no more than 2.5cm deep and can be propagated by division in autumn.

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: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy, Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst'

Propagation: Division, Lifting and dividing established clumps in autumn
Pest resistance: Leaf and bud eelworm, Swift moth caterpillar
Disease resistance: Virus, Honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, Peony leaf blotch, Peony wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' 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.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Paeonia lactiflora 'Bertha Gorst'?

Division, Lifting and dividing established clumps in autumn.

More in the Paeonia genus

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