Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' 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 'Kelway's Brilliant' 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. It is native to Central and eastern Asia.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony reaching about 0.8 m. It bears deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze‑flushed when young. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline soil and moisture that is steady but well drained. Flowers appear in May to June and the plant benefits from a sheltered aspect, avoiding 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

A cultivar of Paeonia lactiflora from the family Paeoniaceae, Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' traces its lineage to plants native to central and eastern Asia. It forms an upright perennial clump around 0.8 m high with deciduous, deeply divided foliage that often shows a bronze flush as it emerges in spring. Flowering occurs in May to June. Select a site in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Keep soil evenly moist but ensure good drainage; the plant prefers a sheltered exposure and will suffer if buds are repeatedly thawed by early morning sun on frosted mornings. Hardiness is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to roughly USDA zones 3–8, so it will tolerate most UK winters provided it has protection from drying winds. In UK gardens it suits the mid to rear of herbaceous borders and sheltered mixed beds where its upright habit and spring leaf colour are visible. Allow the foliage to develop after flowering so the crown can replenish reserves; note that the young leaves often retain their bronze flush into the growing season.

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 'Kelway's Brilliant' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Height: 0.8 m
Native to: Central and eastern Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant'

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 'Kelway's Brilliant'?

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 'Kelway's Brilliant'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' 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 'Kelway's Brilliant'?

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 'Kelway's Brilliant' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Brilliant' 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 'Kelway's Brilliant'?

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

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