Paeonia lactiflora 'Marie Crousse' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Marie Crousse' 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 'Marie Crousse' 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 'Marie Crousse' is an herbaceous perennial peony forming an upright clump to about 0.8 m. It has deeply divided, deciduous foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June. Plant in a sheltered spot 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 'Marie Crousse' is a clump-forming perennial in the Paeoniaceae that reaches roughly 0.8 m. The foliage is deeply divided and deciduous, often flushed bronze when young, and the plant produces its flowers in May to June. For best results choose full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Soil should remain moist but well drained; exposure should be sheltered and the plant will tolerate any aspect except deep shade. Avoid planting where shoots receive early morning sun during frosts, as tender buds can be damaged. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) in the UK and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8, so it will survive typical British winters in sheltered positions. Its upright, clump-forming habit and height suit it to the middle or rear of mixed herbaceous borders, or positioned where the young bronze foliage and seasonal blooms can be viewed at close range. The deeply divided leaves and their bronze flush are especially noticeable before and during the flowering period.

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 'Marie Crousse' 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 'Marie Crousse'

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 'Marie Crousse'?

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 'Marie Crousse'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Marie Crousse' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Marie Crousse' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Marie Crousse' 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 'Marie Crousse'?

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 'Marie Crousse' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Marie Crousse' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Marie Crousse' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Marie Crousse' 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 'Marie Crousse'?

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

Browse all Paeonia →