Peony Plants in your Garden
Peony lactiflora ‘Boule de Neige’
A Peony is a great plant for the garden it is happy in sun and semi shade. I cannot exclude a Peony from my garden. I know people say that they don’t flower for very long six to eight weeks but they are worth it. Once the flower has passed away I also enjoy it’s leaf structure in garden. They work well in cottage style garden design or equally planted en mass in a more formal garden design.
As a perennial plant the Peony lies dormant in the ground over winter but the moment the Peony starts to show it’s lovely red leaf stems in the garden in Spring they provide excitement. Now the leaves have turned green and the buds are fattening up and promising a show.
Which Double Peonies in a Garden Design
Paeonia lactiflora was originally brought to Europe in mid 18th century and it’s from this first white cultivar that the other varieties have been cultivated. I like the double petalled ones who’s stamens also look like petals. Paeonia lactiflora ‘Boule de Neige’, has large broad white flowers growing to about 100cm while ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ is a double white that grows to 80cm and has been awarded an RHS AGM. These white ones look fantastic in a border that has dappled shade.
The Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is a soft double pink. However if you’re looking for something a bit more vibrant Peonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’ has beautiful crimson red flowers giving a fantastic splash of colour. If there is one wow factor Peony plant it has to be Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’. This one makes you stop and stare, it a double with bright pink petals with a creamy centre. Whilst it might not suit everyone’s garden I do love to see it as it’s confident showmanship, it makes me smile.
Nurseries for Peonies
Kelways nursery is one of the oldest nurseries growing Peonies for over 100years
Kelways Plants Ltd
Picts Hill, Langport, Somerset TA10 9EZ
Telephone:01458 250 521
Email:sales@kelways.co.uk
I’m sure you’re local nurseries will also sell them.
If you’re looking for a garden design around Oxford, don’t hesitate to give Samantha Willis 0771 858 6105
