Overview
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sir Edward Elgar' 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 'Sir Edward Elgar' 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 'Sir Edward Elgar' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with fragrant flowers. It grows to about 0.8 m and bears deeply divided leaves that are frequently bronze-flushed when young. Flowers appear May to June. It prefers full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot and should not be placed in deep shade or exposed 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
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sir Edward Elgar' belongs to the peony family Paeoniaceae and forms upright, herbaceous clumps that reach roughly 0.8 m. The variety is grown for its fragrant flowering display in May to June and for foliage that often shows a bronze flush when the leaves are young. Plant into deep, fertile loam or clay that stays moist but drains freely; a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH suits it best. Position in full sun to partial shade, avoiding deep shade and early-morning sun where frosts linger, and choose a sheltered site to protect the flower stems. In UK hardiness terms it ranges H6–H7, meaning very hardy to fully hardy across most gardens. Use 'Sir Edward Elgar' towards the middle or rear of herbaceous borders where its 0.8 m height provides structure and its fragrant blooms can be enjoyed at close range. The bronze-tinted young foliage gives additional late-spring interest once flowers fade. Note that the plant can cause skin irritation to pets; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, 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 'Sir Edward Elgar' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
- Height
- 0.8 m
- 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 'Sir Edward Elgar'
- 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 'Sir Edward Elgar'?
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 'Sir Edward Elgar'?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sir Edward Elgar' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'Sir Edward Elgar' need?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sir Edward Elgar' 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 'Sir Edward Elgar'?
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 'Sir Edward Elgar' grow?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sir Edward Elgar' reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'Sir Edward Elgar' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sir Edward Elgar' 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 'Sir Edward Elgar'?
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 'Sir Edward Elgar' 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)
