Overview

Paeonia lactiflora 'Whitleyi Major', or 'The Bride' 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 'Whitleyi Major', or 'The Bride' 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 cut flower, border plant and cottage garden.

About

Paeonia lactiflora 'Whitleyi Major', or 'The Bride' is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Paeoniaceae grown for its late spring blooms and mild, sweet scent. It reaches about 0.8 m and carries deciduous, deeply divided foliage that is often bronze-flushed when young. Flowers appear in May to June and are suited to a sheltered spot in the garden.

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 'Whitleyi Major', or 'The Bride' is a herbaceous perennial in the Paeoniaceae and a cultivar of the Paeonia genus that is grown primarily for garden borders and for cutting. It forms an upright clump to roughly 0.8 m, producing blooms in May to June and a mild, sweet fragrance; the leaves are deeply divided and frequently show a bronze flush on young growth. Sit this peony in full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It prefers moist but well drained soil and a sheltered exposure; avoid deep shade and take care to avoid early morning sun on frosted buds, which can damage emerging flowers. Hardiness is H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), and it corresponds to USDA zones 3–8, so it will tolerate cool UK winters when sited sensibly. Use 'The Bride' where stems for vases are required, in mixed borders or a cottage garden setting. Plant where its upright habit can be seen and where neighbouring plants leave room for flowering stems; when cut at the right stage the blooms bring their mild, sweet scent indoors as a simple, long-lasting arrangement.

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 'Whitleyi Major', or 'The Bride' 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

Cut flower, Border plant, Cottage garden

Fragrance

Mild, Sweet

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia lactiflora 'Whitleyi Major', or 'The Bride'

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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