Paeonia lactiflora Kansas

The Peony or Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas' displays very large, fully double flowers, whose petals of a unique fuchsia pink to red release a pleasant fragrance when they open. They are borne on sturdy stems in May-June, 90 cm (35in) above the ground, towering over abundant medium green foliage. Easy to grow, Chinese peonies thrive in any rather moist soil, even heavy, in the sun. Robust and faithful, they sometimes take a little time to establish themselves, but they develop year after year and can live well over 50 years.  

Chinese herbaceous peonies mainly come from Paeonia lactiflora, a perennial herbaceous plant native to central and eastern Asia (from eastern Tibet, northern China, to eastern Siberia), where it naturally grows in woods and meadows. This plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae or Paeoniaceae family.

The Kansas variety forms a herbaceous and bushy clump from spring onwards that can reach 90 cm (35in) in all directions. Its large flowers, 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) in diameter, very double, appear in May-June, earlier or later depending on the climate, lasting about two weeks. They emerge as a large dark red bud, then ceremoniously unfold into a meticulously organized pompom. Their colour is unique: a very bright red-pink, with pink tints accentuated by the texture of the petals, very shiny. The growth of this variety is vigorous, and it forms stems strong enough to support the weight of the flowers. The young foliage is purple and shiny, unfolding into large medium green leaves with very dissected edges. They are borne on a petiole that divides into 3, with lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate segments. The leaflets are entire or sometimes lobed. They disappear in winter, while the buds that will develop in spring persist at ground level. This long-lived perennial plant grows from a large fleshy root that does not appreciate being moved.

Peonies are among those plants that form the foundation of a garden. In the past every garden, from the humblest to the most elaborate, proudly displayed clumps of peonies that made their way into the house, keeping lilacs and bluebells company in bouquets. Opulent and generous, the Chinese peony Kansas thrives in flowerbeds or alongside pathways, associated with timeless perennials such as columbines, bellflowers, foxgloves, bearded irises, carnations, or Christmas roses. It can also be grown in the vegetable garden to supply cut flowers for the house. Growing it in a pot is not recommended, as its needs will not be met. Over time, the peony becomes majestic and blooms more and more abundantly, producing up to 60 flowers.