Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Instituteur Doriat' 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 'Instituteur Doriat' 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 'Instituteur Doriat' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with fragrant flowers in May to June. It typically reaches about 0.8 m and carries deeply divided, deciduous foliage that is often bronze-flushed when young. Best placed in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Choose a sheltered spot, keep soil moist but well drained, and avoid early morning sun on frosted buds.

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 'Instituteur Doriat' is a named cultivar of Paeonia lactiflora (family Paeoniaceae) that forms an upright herbaceous clump to roughly 0.8 m. The leaves are deeply divided and frequently show a bronze flush when young; the flowers are fragrant and appear in May to June. As a perennial it dies back to the ground after the season, leaving the clump to re-emerge the following spring. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ensuring the soil stays moist but well drained. A sheltered position reduces stem damage and preserves the flowers; avoid deep shade and keep it out of early morning sun where frost may strike the buds. It is rated H6–H7 in the UK (very hardy to fully hardy) and is also suitable for USDA zones 3–8. Use it where its 0.8 m height and scented blooms can be appreciated from paths or seating areas, for example toward the front or centre of a herbaceous border. Be cautious around pets: sap can be a skin irritant, and refer to the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further contact information. Expect its fragrant display in May to June, and protect emerging shoots from frosty morning sun to reduce bud damage.

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 'Instituteur Doriat' 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

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 'Instituteur Doriat'

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

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  Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
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