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. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' is a robust herbaceous perennial that reaches up to 80 cm tall. It features deep green, divided leaves and produces large, single white blooms. These flowers are characterized by their ruffled petal edges and a central group of golden-yellow stamens, emitting a pleasant fragrance.
About the genus
Paeonia includes herbaceous perennials and deciduous sub-shrubs characterized by their broad, lobed leaves and prominent, bowl-shaped blossoms that typically appear in early summer.
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
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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 'White Wings'
- Cultivation
- Best in a deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. See herbaceous peony cultivation for further information.
- Pruning
- Remove dead flowers as they fade, then cut back plant as the foliage dies down in autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in autumn or early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth larvae
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus, honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, peony leaf blotch and peony wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings'?
Best in a deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. See herbaceous peony cultivation for further information.
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'?
Remove dead flowers as they fade, then cut back plant as the foliage dies down in autumn.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings'?
Propagate by division in autumn or early spring.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' good for pollinators?
Yes — Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Paeonia lactiflora 'White Wings' toxic?
Pets (dogs, cats): Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.