Paeonia lactiflora 'Gardenia'
(Peony 'Gardenia')
Family - Paeoniaceae
Category - Perennial
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H6
Height - up to 90cm
Width - up to 80cm
Location - The Walled Garden
Description: A herbaceous Perennial with a clump-forming, upright habit. Pinnate leaves with oval to lanceolate leaflets emerge deep red in spring before turning to glossy dark green with age. Large double bowl-shaped flowers open pale blush pink and fade to creamy white with age. The blossoms may retain the pink colour in cooler weather. Each Bloom has a central cluster of pale yellow stamens. The flowers are held singly atop upright stems and are produced in early summer. The Blooms are intensely fragrant and excellent for use as cut flowers. Attractive to pollinating insects.
Flower:
Large, double bowl-shaped flowers open pale blush pink and fade to creamy white with age. In cooler weather, the blooms may remain tinged with blush pink. At the centre of each bloom is a cluster of pale yellow stamens. The flowers are heavily scented and held singly on upright stems in June.
Flower colour: White, pink
Flower shape: Double bowl-shaped flowers held singly
Flowering time: June
Foliage:
Glossy dark green leaves are pinnate with oval to lanceolate leaflets. The foliage emerges deep red in spring before turning to green. The leaves are held in opposite pairs on the upright stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Pinnate with oval to lanceolate leaflets
Poison Information:
This plant may cause discomfort if ingested.
Propagation:
Division of tubers.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.