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

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen' 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 'Carmen' 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. It is native to Central and eastern Asia.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in the UK from May to June. It typically reaches about 0.8 m and carries deciduous, deeply divided leaves often flushed bronze when young. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and soil that stays moist but drains. Avoid deep shade and sites where early morning sun will hit frost-affected buds.

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 'Carmen' is a herbaceous perennial in the family Paeoniaceae, originating from central and eastern Asia. The plant grows as an upright, clump-forming perennial to roughly 0.8 m, producing deciduous, deeply divided foliage that frequently shows a bronze flush on new growth; flowering occurs in the UK from May to June. Give this peony a sunny to partly shaded spot in deep, fertile loam or clay. Aim for neutral to slightly alkaline soil and ensure the root area remains moist but not waterlogged. Sit the plant in a sheltered position and avoid deep shade; take particular care to avoid exposing buds that have been frost‑touched to sudden early morning sun, which can cause damage. Hardiness is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), and it corresponds to USDA zones 3–8, so it tolerates most UK winter conditions when established. In a garden layout, Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen' suits mixed herbaceous borders, traditional cottage beds and sheltered planting near walls or hedges where its upright habit and seasonal leaf colour can be seen. Its height makes it suitable for middle or rear positions in a border, and the bronze-tinged young foliage is a reliable spring indicator of the plant’s active growth.

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 'Carmen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.8 m
Native to: Central and eastern Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen'

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 'Carmen'?

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 'Carmen'?

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

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen' 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 'Carmen'?

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 'Carmen' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Carmen' 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 'Carmen'?

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 →