Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' 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 'Inspector Lavergne' 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 'Inspector Lavergne' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial peony reaching about 0.8 m, notable for its deeply divided, deciduous foliage that is often bronze-flushed when young. It produces its flowers in May to June. Plants suit a sheltered site in full sun to partial shade and prefer deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline.

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 'Inspector Lavergne' sits in the Paeoniaceae as an herbaceous, clump-forming perennial with an upright habit to roughly 0.8 m. The leaves are deeply divided and frequently show a bronze flush when young, and the bloom season is confined to May to June, providing a clear window of late‑spring flower interest. Give the plant a position in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Soil should be kept moist but well drained; avoid waterlogged conditions. Choose a sheltered site and avoid deep shade; also protect buds from early morning sun on frosted mornings, which can cause damage. It is rated H6–H7 in the UK (very hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8. Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' fits well in mixed herbaceous borders where an upright, seasonally decisive plant is required, or beside structural shrubs that provide winter shelter. Locate it where spring frosts and early-day bright sun do not combine, so emerging buds are not exposed to rapid thaw and freeze cycles that harm 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 'Inspector Lavergne' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne'

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 'Inspector Lavergne'?

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 'Inspector Lavergne'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' 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 'Inspector Lavergne'?

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 'Inspector Lavergne' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspector Lavergne' 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 'Inspector Lavergne'?

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 →