Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' 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 'Karl Rosenfeld' 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 'Karl Rosenfeld' is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial peony that flowers in May to June. It reaches about 0.8 m and has deciduous, deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. Best placed in full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot, it suits deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Fragrance is mild to none and it is suited to borders and cutting.

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

Originating from central and eastern Asia, Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' is a herbaceous peony grown for its late-spring blooms and architectural clump habit. In the UK it flowers in May to June and typically stands around 0.8 m tall. The foliage is deciduous and deeply divided, often showing a bronze flush on young shoots. Plant in full sun to partial shade where the site is sheltered from strong winds; avoid deep shade and try not to expose buds to early morning sun when frosts are possible, which can damage emerging flowers. It prefers a deep, fertile loam or clay that retains moisture yet drains, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' falls in hardiness bands H6–H7 in the UK (very hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8. Use it at the front or middle of a mixed border or grow for cutting: stems are suitable for arrangements when flower buds are at the desired stage. Young foliage often displays a bronze flush before the leaves fully unfurl.

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 'Karl Rosenfeld' 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 none

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld'

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 'Karl Rosenfeld'?

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 'Karl Rosenfeld'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' 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 'Karl Rosenfeld'?

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 'Karl Rosenfeld' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Karl Rosenfeld' 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 'Karl Rosenfeld'?

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 →