Paeonia officinalis Rosea Plena

Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Plena' is a beautiful herbaceous peony that reaches a height of 70 cm (28 in). Its spreading habit displays large double flowers in purplish-pink with tightly packed petals on hairy stems.

Originally from Europe, this hardy peony develops leaves with 9 leaflets, which are deciduous, elliptical and dark green. From May to June, double flowers in a crown, in purplish-pink, 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in) in diameter, are borne solitary at the end of a long, semi-rigid, hairy stem. They lighten as they mature and offer the first spring bouquets once cut. Its flowering is sensitive to rain or wind, so support the stems.

Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Plena' prefers a deep, humus-bearing, light and fertile soil, in a sunny location. A yearly addition of decomposed manure in March is necessary. The soil should be porous to a good depth, as the main cause of peony failure is stagnant moisture. After 5 or 6 years of establishment, the flowering becomes much more abundant.

Paeonia officinalis 'Rosea Plena' can be planted in a clump of 2 or 3 solitary plants on a short grass meadow. In a shrub or perennial border, this will help hide the foliage, which quickly deteriorates after flowering. It will also be perfect when paired with irises or roses.

Tip: avoid liquid fertilisers and transplantations.