Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours' 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 'Duchesse de Nemours' 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, cut flowers and garden specimen. It is native to Central and eastern Asia.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial valued for its fragrant flowers. It reaches about 0.8 m and carries deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June, and the plant suits borders, cutting, or a specimen position 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 'Duchesse de Nemours' originates from central and eastern Asia and belongs to the family Paeoniaceae. It forms a compact, upright clump to roughly 0.8 m and is noted for its scented blooms in late spring (May to June). The divided foliage appears bronzy when young before maturing and then dying back for winter. Plant into deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and ensure soil remains moist but well drained; waterlogging at the crown should be avoided. Position in full sun to partial shade with protection from strong winds, and give a sheltered aspect rather than exposed sites. In UK terms it is rated H6–H7, meaning very hardy to fully hardy, and it is also suitable for USDA zones 3–8. Use it where a spring-flowering cut-flower or garden specimen is required: a sunny or lightly shaded border, mixed herbaceous fronting, or a contained planting where its clump habit can be appreciated. Allow space for the clump to develop and take into account the deciduous winter habit; avoid planting where early morning sun will warm frosted buds, as this can increase frost damage to developing flowers.

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 'Duchesse de Nemours' 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, garden specimen

Native to

Central and eastern Asia

Fragrance

Flower

Toxicity

Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours'

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

• 
  Paeoniapeony
• 
  Paeonia 'Archangel'peony 'Archangel'
• 
  Paeonia 'Chalice'Peony
• 
  Paeonia 'Early Bird'Peony
• 
  Paeonia 'Good Cheer'Peony
• 
  Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
• 
  Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
• 
  Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)