Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' 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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' 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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' is an herbaceous perennial peony that forms upright, clump-forming growth to about 0.8 m. It carries deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowering occurs in May to June. Plant in a sheltered spot with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial in the Paeoniaceae, grown for its spring display and architectural foliage. Historically the species has been cultivated across temperate gardens, and this cultivar keeps the compact habit expected of lactiflora peonies while reaching roughly 0.8 m high at maturity. Flowering period is May to June. For best results choose a deep, fertile loam or clay soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and ensure it remains moist but not waterlogged. Sitings that receive full sun to partial shade suit the plant, but avoid deep shade and take the particular care advised for frosts: do not position where buds will be exposed to direct early morning sun on frosted mornings. The plant prefers a sheltered exposure to reduce wind damage to upright stems. Hardiness ranges H6–H7 in the UK (roughly USDA 3–8), so it tolerates cold winters where crowns are normally left at soil level through dormancy. In garden design it works well as a mid-border specimen or in mixed perennial beds where its 0.8 m stature and divided leaves can be framed by lower neighbours; expect flowering reliably in the May–June window and allow the foliage its season to die back naturally before winter.

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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' 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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac'

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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac'?

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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' 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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac'?

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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac' 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 'Monsieur Martin Cahusac'?

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 →