The Sorbet Paeonia Collection blends soft and bold tones, combining the rose pink blooms of Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt', the rich magenta flowers of 'Karl Rosenfield', and the pure white elegance of 'Duchesse de Nemours'.
Flowering from early to midsummer, this trio creates a vibrant display reminiscent of summer sorbets, with lush, double blooms and a sweet fragrance.
Peonies are loved for their bold, dissected foliage and extremely beautiful, showy flowers, which are ideal for adding colour to mixed, herbaceous or shrub borders in spring and summer.
Originating from woodland clearings, grassland and meadows, the tuberous roots of the herbaceous forms act as storage tissue, which allows the mature plants to become drought tolerant once established. They will thrive in deep fertile soils that are moist but well drained, and although tolerant of some light shade, they perform best in full sun.
Long-lived clump-forming perennials, they can resent being moved, although this can usually be done quite successfully if tackled in autumn. Some may require staking to support the weight of the flowers.
How to care for Sorbet paeonia collection:
Where available, bare root peonies should be planted out or potted up as soon as possible, avoiding frosty or waterlogged conditions. Choose a sunny, well-drained position, as peonies flower best in full sun and dislike being moved once established.
Plant all peonies into well-prepared soil, ensuring the highest bud on the crown is no deeper than 5cm (2in) below the surface. For newly planted plants, protect emerging shoots from late frosts in their first spring. Keep plants well watered and fed during growth, using balanced, slow-release fertiliser rather than high-nitrogen feeds, and remove spent flowers once faded.
Mulch with well-rotted compost or manure, support tall stems to prevent flopping, maintain good air circulation, and remove any yellowing or diseased leaves. Avoid disturbing established crowns, as peonies dislike being moved may take a season or two to establish.