Overview
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' 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 'Sarah Bernhardt' 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 specimen. It is native to China.
About
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' is a clump-forming, upright perennial valued for its scented spring flowers. It reaches about 0.8 m and carries deciduous, deeply divided foliage that is often bronze-flushed when young. Plant in full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay that remains moist but drains freely. Avoid deep shade and exposure to 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
Originating from China, Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' belongs to the peony family Paeoniaceae and has been cultivated as a herbaceous perennial for its fragrant flowers. The plant forms a year-to-year clump to roughly 0.8 m with foliage that often shows a bronze tinge on new growth before turning green and dropping back in autumn. Site it in full sun to partial shade in deep, fertile loam or clay with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, keeping soil moist but well drained. Sheltered situations suit it best; avoid planting where early morning sun will strike frosted buds. Hardiness is H6–H7, meaning it is classed as very hardy to fully hardy for UK gardens and will tolerate typical winter conditions across most regions. Use Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' as a border plant, specimen or for cutting straight into summer vases: the flowers are fragrant and work well in mixed herbaceous borders or as a short-stemmed cut flower. Note that peonies can cause skin irritation to pets; for further detail and contact numbers see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
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 'Sarah Bernhardt' 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 specimen
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
- 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 'Sarah Bernhardt'?
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 'Sarah Bernhardt'?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' need?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' 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 'Sarah Bernhardt'?
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 'Sarah Bernhardt' grow?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' 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 'Sarah Bernhardt'?
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.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' toxic?
Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
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)
