PerennialsPaeonia lactiflora
Chinese Peony
The Chinese peony is one of the most beloved garden plants, prized for its sumptuous, fragrant flowers in pink, white or red. The large, often double blooms appear in May and June and are unrivalled as cut flowers. Peonies can thrive in the same spot for decades.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 60–100 cm
- Spread
- 60–90 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–8
- Family
- Paeoniaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink, white, red
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, fertile soil. The eyes of the rootstock should sit no deeper than 3 cm below the surface — planting too deep prevents flowering. Feed in spring with a potassium-rich fertiliser. Support the heavy blooms with a plant support ring.
Pruning tips
Remove spent flowers but leave the foliage intact until it dies back in autumn — it feeds the rootstock for next year. Cut back dead foliage to the ground in November.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.
PerennialsIris germanica
Bearded Iris
The bearded iris is a stately perennial with sword-shaped grey-green leaves and elegant, multi-coloured flowers. In May and June, striking blooms appear in purple, blue, or yellow, often with a characteristic 'beard' on the drooping petals. The plant is perfect for formal borders or along pathways.