Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Lord Kitchener' 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 'Lord Kitchener' 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 'Lord Kitchener' is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous peony reaching about 0.8 m and flowering in May to June. The foliage is deciduous and deeply divided, often showing a bronze flush when young. It prefers full sun to partial shade and a sheltered position. Plant in deep, fertile loam or clay that is neutral to slightly alkaline and moist but well drained, and avoid 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

Paeonia lactiflora 'Lord Kitchener' belongs to the genus Paeonia in the family Paeoniaceae and forms an upright, clump-forming perennial that reaches around 0.8 m. The plant is deciduous; young shoots and leaflets are frequently bronze-flushed before maturing. Flowering occurs in May to June, producing the season's main peony display. Position the crown where it will get full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should be moist but well drained; waterlogging at the crown can cause problems. It favours a sheltered aspect and you should avoid exposing buds to early morning sun where frost is likely. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), so it withstands typical UK winter conditions when sited correctly. At about 0.8 m tall and with an upright, clump-forming habit, 'Lord Kitchener' suits the middle of a mixed perennial border or a sheltered spot by a wall where the flowers can be seen at close range. Take care with handling as the foliage may cause skin irritation in pets; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. The early bronze flush of the leaves adds seasonal contrast before the foliage fully develops.

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 'Lord Kitchener' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump-forming, upright

Foliage

Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young

Height

0.8 m

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 'Lord Kitchener'

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

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