Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Laura Dessert' 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 'Laura Dessert' 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 'Laura Dessert' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial that reaches about 0.8 m and flowers in the UK from May to June. The leaves are deciduous and deeply divided, frequently flushed bronze when young. It prefers full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay, with soil kept moist but well drained and a sheltered position.

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 'Laura Dessert' is a herbaceous peony originating from central and eastern Asia. It forms upright clumps to roughly 0.8 m and produces its main display in May and June. The foliage is deciduous and often shows a bronze flush on new growth, giving extra early-season colour. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and keep the soil moist but well drained; avoid heavy waterlogging. Position where it receives full sun to partial shade but not deep shade, and choose a sheltered site—this cultivar is suited to very hardy to fully hardy gardens (H6–H7) across the UK and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8. Take care to avoid early morning sun on frosted buds to minimise frost damage to developing flowers. Its upright, clump-forming habit and timing make it suited to herbaceous borders and locations where May–June flowers can be appreciated at close range, such as beside paths or patios. Note that shoots die back in winter; the young, bronze-tinged leaves and the May–June flowering season are the best times to judge its place in the border. For pet safety, be aware the plant can be a skin irritant and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further advice.

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 'Laura Dessert' 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

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 'Laura Dessert'

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 'Good Cheer'Peony
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  Paeonia 'Moonrise'peony 'Moonrise'
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  Paeonia 'White Innocence'peony 'White Innocence'
• 
  Paeonia (Gansu Group) 'Highdown' (S)