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

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Colonel Heneage' 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 'Colonel Heneage' 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 'Colonel Heneage' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial peony with a mild to moderate fragrance. It reaches about 0.8 m and bears deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowers appear in May to June and the plant prefers full sun to partial shade on fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil.

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

A cultivar of the species native to central and eastern Asia, Paeonia lactiflora 'Colonel Heneage' produces erect stems from a perennial crown and is valued for scented late-spring blooms and early bronze-tinged foliage. The habit is clump-forming and upright, reaching roughly 0.8 m, which makes it straightforward to position within a mixed border. Place this peony in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; keep soil moist but well drained. It prefers a sheltered aspect and you should avoid exposing buds to direct early-morning sun when frost is possible. The hardiness rating H6–H7 indicates the plant is very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms, suitable for most gardens that can offer a protected spot. Use it towards the middle of a border where its height and flowering period (May to June) complement late-spring bulbs and shrubs, and take advantage of its suitability for cutting if you want fresh blooms for vases. Note the young leaves' bronze flush, which provides distinct early-season colour before the foliage matures.

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 'Colonel Heneage' 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 'Colonel Heneage'

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 'Colonel Heneage'?

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 'Colonel Heneage'?

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

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Colonel Heneage' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Colonel Heneage' 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 'Colonel Heneage'?

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 'Colonel Heneage' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Colonel Heneage' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Colonel Heneage' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Colonel Heneage' 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 'Colonel Heneage'?

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

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