Overview
Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Paeonia, part of the Paeoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds. It is native to China.
About
Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Paeonia genus, known for its clump-forming habit and deciduous foliage. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This peony thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east, south, or west-facing, sheltered locations. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. 'White Wings' is of interest during spring and summer seasons.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Paeonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch in winter to protect roots. Stake if necessary to support large blooms.
- Pruning
- Cut back foliage to ground level after it dies back in autumn to prevent disease and prepare for new growth.
- Propagation
- Division in autumn or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Leaf and bud eelworm, Soil-dwelling swift moth larvae
- Disease resistance
- Virus, Honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, Peony leaf blotch, Peony wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings'?
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch in winter to protect roots. Stake if necessary to support large blooms.
Where is the best place to plant Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings'?
Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' need?
Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings'?
Cut back foliage to ground level after it dies back in autumn to prevent disease and prepare for new growth.
How big does Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' grow?
Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' hardy in the UK?
Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' 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 'White Wings'?
Division in autumn or early spring.
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)
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