Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
(Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt')
Family - Paeoniaceae
Category - Perennial
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H6
Height - up to 1m
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. Very large, double bowl-shaped flowers are pale rose pink. Each Bloom has ruffled petals that are nearly white at the tips, and occasionally flecked with red. The flowers are held singly on upright stems and are produced from early summer into midsummer. The Blooms are intensely fragrant and excellent for use as cut flowers.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Very large, double bowl-shaped flowers are pale rose pink. The ruffled petals are subtly marked with white at the tips and are occasionally flecked with red. The blooms are heavily scented. The flowers are held singly atop upright stems and are produced in June and July. P. 'Sarah Bernhardt' is renowned for use as a cut flower.
Flower colour: Pink
Flower shape: Double bowl-shaped 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 with age. The leaves are oppositely arranged 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.