Overview
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Majestic' 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 Majestic' 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 Majestic' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided leaves that commonly show a bronze flush when young. It reaches about 0.8 m and dies back to the ground each winter. Flowers appear in late spring and are produced on upper stems. Best placed where its May to June display can be seen.
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 in the family Paeoniaceae, Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Majestic' grows as a clump-forming, upright perennial with deciduous, deeply divided foliage that is often bronze-tinged when young. It typically reaches around 0.8 m and produces its flowering display in May to June. Plant it in full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot where early morning sun will not strike frosted buds. It prefers deep, fertile loam or clay that remains moist but drains freely; a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH is ideal. Hardiness is rated H6–H7, meaning very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms. Use 'Kelway's Majestic' as a structural element in a herbaceous or mixed border where its late-spring flowers sit above the foliage, and allow space for the clump to develop. Position it away from deep shade and in soil that will not sit waterlogged over winter. Expect the main flowering display in May to June, so site the plant where that seasonal show will be visible from paths or seating areas.
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 Majestic' 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 'Kelway's Majestic'
- 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 Majestic'?
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 Majestic'?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Majestic' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Majestic' need?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Majestic' 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 Majestic'?
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 Majestic' grow?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Majestic' reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Majestic' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Kelway's Majestic' 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 Majestic'?
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
- 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)
