Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' 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 'Pink Delight' 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 'Pink Delight' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that flowers in May to June. It carries deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. The plant reaches about 0.8 m and suits positions from full sun to partial shade. Give it a sheltered site and avoid deep shade or 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 'Pink Delight' is an herbaceous perennial in the Paeoniaceae, originating from central and eastern Asia. It forms an upright clump to roughly 0.8 m with deciduous, deeply divided foliage that often shows a bronze flush on new growth. Flowering takes place in May to June, when the plant produces its seasonal display. Plant this peony in deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and a moisture-retentive but well-drained structure. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and benefits from a sheltered aspect; avoid sites where early morning sun hits frost-bound buds. USDA zones 3–8 and UK hardiness H6–H7 indicate it tolerates very cold winters where soil does not stay waterlogged. Position Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' towards the middle or rear of a mixed border, alongside late-spring bulbs or shrubs that will not cast dense shade at bud stage. Its clump-forming habit gives a clear, upright presence without climbing or sprawling, making it appropriate for formal beds or cottage-style schemes. Expect the fresh, bronze-tinged foliage to appear 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 'Pink Delight' 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight'

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 'Pink Delight'?

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 'Pink Delight'?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' need?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' 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 'Pink Delight'?

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 'Pink Delight' grow?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Delight' 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 'Pink Delight'?

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 →