Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' 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 'British Beauty' 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

A clump-forming, upright perennial, Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' produces mildly scented flowers in May to June. It grows to about 0.8 m and carries deciduous, deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Best positioned in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay kept moist but well drained and in a sheltered spot.

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 'British Beauty' is an herbaceous, clump-forming perennial from central and eastern Asia. It flowers from May to June and carries a mild to moderate fragrance, making it useful both in a border and as a cut flower. The foliage is deciduous and often shows a bronze flush when young, contributing seasonal leaf interest before the summer flowering period. Choose a site in full sun to partial shade; avoid deep shade and protect buds from early-morning sun when frost is possible. Plant into deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH and ensure soil remains moist but well drained. A sheltered position reduces wind exposure and helps retain the flower display. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), corresponding to USDA zones 3–8, so it tolerates cold winters across much of the UK when sited appropriately. Expect upright clumps to reach about 0.8 m and to sit well in the middle of mixed borders. Use it where a mildly scented May–June bloom is wanted for picking or for a seasonally focused herbaceous display.

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 'British Beauty' 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: Mild to moderate

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty'

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

How do I grow Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty'?

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.

Where is the best place to plant Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' grows best in deep and fertile loam or clay soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.

How do I prune Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty'?

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.

How big does Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'British Beauty' 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 'British Beauty'?

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.

More in the Paeonia genus

Browse all Paeonia →