Paeonia x lactiflora Dynasty - Chinese Peony

The Paeonia lactiflora 'Dynasty' is a herbaceous peony sought after for its fragrance and its magnificent pastel flowers resembling roses. This variety is renowned for its superb range of tender colours, ranging from soft pink to creamy white. A colour that it shares with few other varieties. 'Dynasty' blooms late, in June, to beautifully conclude the peony season.

Chinese peonies are herbaceous perennial plants mainly derived from Paeonia lactiflora, a species native to Central and Eastern Asia (from eastern Tibet, northern China, to eastern Siberia). In nature, this peony grows in woods and meadows. This plant belongs to the family of Paeoniaceae.

The 'Dynasty' peony was obtained in 2014. It forms a beautiful clump of vegetation that can reach 85-90 cm in height. Its beautiful rose-shaped flowers with a diameter of 13-14 cm bloom in mid-June. Each one displays a superb range of colours, ranging from pale bluish pink on the outer petals to creamy white near the centre. In spring, the young shoots that emerge from the ground are a brilliant purple. The stems bear large, dark green leaves, divided into segments, measuring 15 to 20 cm long. The entire vegetation disappears in winter, while the buds persist at ground level and will develop in spring. This very perennial plant grows from a large, fleshy root that does not appreciate being moved.

Incredibly attractive and fragrant, the 'Dynasty' peony will delight enthusiasts of this timeless perennial. It can be planted in flowerbeds or along pathways. To accompany it, choose perennials with light blooms. For example, columbines, wild bellflowers, and catmints. It can also increase the supply of flowers for bouquets in the vegetable garden. Cultivating it in a pot is not recommended as its needs will not be met. Over time, the peony becomes majestic and blooms more abundantly, producing up to 60 flowers.

Peonies are an essential part of any garden. In the past, every garden, from the humblest to the most elaborate, showcased clumps of flowers in spring that made their way into the house, accompanied in each bouquet by lilacs, Madonna lilies, and bellflowers.