Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'General MacMahon' 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 'General MacMahon' 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 'General MacMahon' is an upright, clump-forming perennial reaching about 0.8 m, grown for its fragrant spring flowers. It bears deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June and the scent is mild to moderate. Plant in a sheltered spot with full sun to partial shade and deep, fertile soil for best results.

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 'General MacMahon' is a herbaceous peony from central and eastern Asia, forming upright clumps to around 0.8 m. The cultivar combines the species' spring flowering habit with mildly fragrant blooms; foliage is deciduous and often shows a bronze flush on new growth. Expect flowers in May to June in the UK. Choose a full sun to partial shade position in deep, fertile loam or clay that holds moisture but drains freely; a neutral to slightly alkaline pH suits it. Avoid deep shade and sites where plants receive strong early morning sun when buds are frosted, and give it a sheltered exposure to reduce wind damage to top-heavy stems. Hardiness is H6–H7, so plants are very hardy to fully hardy across most of the UK (USDA 3–8). Use Paeonia lactiflora 'General MacMahon' at the front to middle of a mixed border where its 0.8 m height will not obscure shorter neighbours, or grow it in a dedicated peony bed for cutting. It responds well to summer staking or supports and is valued as a cut flower; harvest stems when blooms are open and place in water immediately. Because buds can be affected by late frosts, choose a site with afternoon warmth rather than early morning sun.

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 'General MacMahon' 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 'General MacMahon'

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

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