Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Président Poincaré' 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 'Président Poincaré' 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 and cut flowers. It is native to Central and eastern Asia.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Président Poincaré' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony that produces mildly to moderately fragrant blooms in May to June. It reaches about 0.8 m and has deeply divided, deciduous leaves that are frequently bronze‑flushed when young. Plant in full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH and soil that stays moist but drains freely. Position where it is sheltered 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

A herbaceous peony originating from central and eastern Asia, Paeonia lactiflora 'Président Poincaré' forms a neat upright clump to about 0.8 m and flowers in May to June with a mild to moderate scent suited to cutting. The foliage is deciduous and deeply divided, often showing a bronze flush on new growth; the combination of divided leaves and upright stems gives a clearly architectural presence in late spring. Grow in full sun to partial shade on a sheltered aspect and avoid siting in deep shade or where early morning sun will warm frosted buds. It prefers deep, fertile loam or clay in neutral to slightly alkaline soil that remains moist but is well drained. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), so it tolerates typical UK winter conditions where planting sites are not exposed to severe wind or late frosts. Use in mixed borders where spring bloom can be shown to advantage or grow in a dedicated cutting bed to harvest fragrant stems in May to June. Give the crown room when planting and lift and divide only if clumps become congested; reserve a portion of stems for cutting during the flowering window to bring the plant’s scent and form indoors.

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 'Président Poincaré' 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

Native to

Central and eastern Asia

Fragrance

Mild to moderate

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Président Poincaré'

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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