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

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse' 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 'Félix Crousse' 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.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with fragrant flowers. It grows to about 0.8 m and flowers in May to June. Leaves are deeply divided and frequently bronze-flushed when young. Plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline 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

Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse' is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Paeoniaceae that produces fragrant blooms in May to June and reaches about 0.8 m. The foliage is deciduous and deeply divided, often showing a bronze flush when shoots are young, which gives early-season structure before flowering. Give this peony a sheltered spot in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay; it prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions and soil that stays moist but drains freely. Avoid placing it in deep shade and protect young buds from exposure to early morning sun on frosted mornings to reduce the risk of bud damage. Hardiness is rated H6–H7, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy in UK gardens. In practice, sit it where late-spring scent and upright form are wanted: sheltered borders, mixed perennial beds and locations where its scent can be enjoyed at flowering time. The plant's size and upright habit make it straightforward to position in a border without overwhelming neighbouring herbaceous perennials. Flowering in May to June provides a concentrated period of fragrance for late-spring planting schemes.

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 'Félix Crousse' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.8 m
Fragrance: Fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse'

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 'Félix Crousse'?

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 'Félix Crousse'?

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

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse' 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 'Félix Crousse'?

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 'Félix Crousse' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Félix Crousse' 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 'Félix Crousse'?

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 →