Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' (Peony) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' 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. Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' 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 cottage gardens.

About

Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' is a clump-forming, upright perennial peony with deeply divided foliage that is frequently bronze-flushed when young. It flowers in May to June and the blooms are mildly fragrant. The plant prefers a sheltered spot in full sun to partial shade and suits neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Hardiness is H6–H7, making it very hardy to fully hardy across most UK gardens.

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 'Victoria Lincoln' belongs to the Paeoniaceae family and forms upright clumps with deeply divided leaves that often show a bronze flush when young; flowering takes place in May to June and carries a mild fragrance. Position it in full sun to partial shade but avoid deep shade and do not expose buds to early-morning sun when frost is possible, which can scorch developing flowers. Plant into deep, fertile loam or clay with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and ensure the soil remains moist but well drained. Choose a sheltered exposure to reduce wind damage to flower stems. The H6–H7 hardiness rating (USDA 3–8) means it tolerates UK winter conditions across most regions when given appropriate siting. Use Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' at the back of mixed borders, in cottage-style beds or specifically for cutting; stems are suitable for vase work during the May to June flowering period, so place it where spent stems are easy to access for cutting.

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 'Victoria Lincoln' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided, frequently bronze-flushed when young
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln'

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 'Victoria Lincoln'?

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 'Victoria Lincoln'?

Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' need?

Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' 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 'Victoria Lincoln'?

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.

Is Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' hardy in the UK?

Paeonia 'Victoria Lincoln' 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 'Victoria Lincoln'?

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.

More in the Paeonia genus

Browse all Paeonia →