Overview
Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' 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 'Palamino' 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. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and garden beds. It is native to Central and eastern Asia.
About
Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in May to June and carries a mild to moderate fragrance. It reaches about 0.8 m with deciduous, deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Plant in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, keeping soil moist but well drained. Suited to borders, garden beds and as a source of cut flowers.
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 'Palamino' belongs to the Paeoniaceae and originates from central and eastern Asia. It forms upright clumps to roughly 0.8 m and produces mildly to moderately fragrant blooms in May to June, timed for late spring impact. Choose a site in full sun to partial shade on a deep, fertile loam or clay soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline reaction, and keep the root run moist but well drained. Give the plant a sheltered position and avoid deep shade; try not to expose buds to early morning sun when frosts are possible. In the UK it carries an H6–H7 rating, which translates to very hardy through fully hardy; it also fits USDA zones 3–8. Use Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' in mixed borders and garden beds or cut stems for indoor displays. The foliage is deciduous and deeply divided, often showing a bronze flush when the shoots first appear, which provides useful colour before the May–June 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 'Palamino' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, cut flowers, garden beds
- Native to
- Central and eastern Asia
- Fragrance
- Mild to moderate fragrance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino'
- 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 'Palamino'?
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 'Palamino'?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' need?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' 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 'Palamino'?
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 'Palamino' grow?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Palamino' 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 'Palamino'?
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)
