Paeonia lactiflora x 'Jan van Leeuwen'

Sizes available: 2 gallon

Basics; Zones 3-7, 18-30" x 24-30", full sun to light shade, white petals surround a frilly yellow center, blooms in late spring, moderate moisture and fertility needs

Common names: Herbaceous Peony, Garden Peony, Chinese Peony

Family: Paeoniaceae

Origin/Distribution: The species are native to central and eastern Asia from eastern Tibet  across northern China to eastern Siberia.

Habitat: open shade, woodland edge, well-drained open slopes

More: 'Jan van Leeuwen' is a 1928 introduction that has stood the test of time. Excellent in containers. It's compact stature makes it a good choice for smaller gardens and the front edges of borders.

Although less dramatic than the fully double and bomb types, the single and semi-double flowering peonies have an undoubtable charm and actually offer some nectar to pollinators. The herbaceous peony makes an excellent cut flower and lasts a good amount of time in the vase when harvested at the "marshmallow" stage. The unopened bud should give under finger pressure as if it were a marshmallow. If cut when the bud feels hard like a marble, the flower won't open in the vase. There is also a lot (and I mean a lot) of information on the web about harvesting and storing peonies cold and dry for use later in event work, or to sell, long after their brief natural season is over. Many flower farmers and bigger grower/suppliers do this. 

Peonies need to be planted with their rhizomes a scant inch or two below the soil surface and given a cold dormant period for best flowering. Over-fertilizing them will lead to lush foliage at the expense of bloom. However, once they have settled and are happy, you will have years of a practically carefree shrubby backbone of attractive dark green leaves and a spectacular, often fragrant late spring display. They are also deer and rabbit resistant.

The peony has been cultivated in China since the 7th century and was introduced in England in the mid-eighteenth century. The American Peony Society recognizes over 8000 named cultivars. Humans have a long and rich history with this plant. As well as their ornamental value, they have culinary and medicinal attributes.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Van Berkum Nursery