Paeonia lactiflora Red Sarah Bernhardt
paeony or peony
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- Bulbs (only) £4.95
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Producing an abundance of lightly scented flowers in early summer, this wonderful peony will offer lashings of colour for both the border and the vase. First introduced in China in 1980, its name may hint at it being a red-flowered version of the ever-popular 'Sarah Bernhardt', however it really is quite unique - and despite its name, the flowers are more cerise-purple than red. It does however really pack a punch in the border, and once established, it will keep coming back year after year. - Garden care: Plant out into well-prepared soil as soon as possible, making sure that the highest bud on the crown is no deeper that 5cm below the surface of the soil. Keep well fed and watered, and remove spent flowers after they have faded. In each subsequent spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser around the base of the plant and mulch with well-rotted compost or manure.
- Pets: Skin irritant