Paeonia lactiflora 'Laura Dessert'
(Peony 'Laura Dessert')

Family - Paeoniaceae
Category - Perennial
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H6
Height - 75cm
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, mid to dark green with age. Large, crown form peony flowers are composed of a central dome of smaller, pale yellow ruffled petals and an outer collar of larger creamy white petals. The flowers are held singly atop upright stems and are produced from early summer through midsummer. The Blooms are intensely fragrant and excellent for use as cut flowers.

Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Flower:

Large crown form peony flowers are composed of a central dome of smaller pale yellow, ruffled petals and an outer layer of larger creamy white petals. The blooms are intensely scented. The flowers are held singly atop upright stems and are produced in June and July.

Flower colour: White, yellow

Flower shape: Crown form peony flowers held singly

Flowering time: June, July

Foliage:

Glossy mid to 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 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.