Paeonia lactiflora 'Edith Cavell' — Bushy, Clump forming

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Edith Cavell' is a bushy, clump forming shrubs in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Paeonia lactiflora 'Edith Cavell' 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 'Edith Cavell' is a clump-forming, deciduous member of the Paeoniaceae that produces its main display in late spring. It forms a compact, well-branched clump suited to sheltered positions. Plant into moist but well-drained chalk, clay, loam or sandy soils in full sun or partial shade on an east, south or west-facing aspect. Flowers appear in May to June.

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 'Edith Cavell' is a clump-forming deciduous shrub in the Paeoniaceae valued for its late-spring flowering. It establishes as a well-branched mound of foliage before producing its seasonal blooms; the flowering window runs from May to June. Position on an east-, south- or west-facing site where the plant has some shelter from exposed winds. It tolerates a wide range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — provided they remain moist but well drained; avoid waterlogged planting sites. Light levels can be full sun or partial shade, with the best flower set usually on sites that receive morning sun and some protection during the coldest winds. In UK hardiness terms it is H6, which equates to very hardy across much of the country. Paeonia lactiflora 'Edith Cavell' suits city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal borders, and mixed flower beds where a strong late-spring show is required. Allow the clump room to spread and lift surrounding low planting so the foliage can mature unshaded. Expect the principal floral display in May to June.

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 'Edith Cavell' 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 'Edith Cavell'

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 'Edith Cavell'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Edith Cavell' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Edith Cavell' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Edith Cavell' 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.