Overview
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Glorious' 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 Glorious' 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 'Kelway's Glorious' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Paeoniaceae with fragrant late-spring flowers. It reaches about 0.8 m and has deciduous, deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowers appear in May to June and are best seen from full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot.
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 'Kelway's Glorious' sits within the genus Paeonia and forms a neat upright clump to roughly 0.8 m. The plant is deciduous and the foliage is deeply divided, often showing a bronze flush on new growth; its flowers are scented and come into bloom in May to June. Position it in full sun or partial shade on a site that is sheltered from harsh exposure. It prefers a deep, fertile loam or clay soil that stays moist but drains freely and will tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Avoid sites in deep shade and take care not to plant where frosted buds will receive early morning sun, which can cause damage. This peony is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) so it withstands the majority of UK winters when given some protection from driving winds. Use it as a mid-border anchor at about 0.8 m, where its scented late-spring flowers contribute fragrance to beds and mixed borders. For concerns about pets, note the plant can be a skin irritant; consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for contacts and further information.
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 Glorious' 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 'Kelway's Glorious'
- 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 Glorious'?
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 Glorious'?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Glorious' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Glorious' need?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Glorious' 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 Glorious'?
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 Glorious' grow?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Glorious' reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Glorious' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Glorious' 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 Glorious'?
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.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Glorious' toxic?
Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
More in the Paeonia genus
- Paeoniapeony
- Paeonia 'Archangel'peony 'Archangel'
- Paeonia 'Chalice'Peony
- Paeonia 'Early Bird'Peony
- Paeonia 'Good Cheer'Peony
- Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
- Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
- Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)
