Duchesse De Nemours

The Duchesse De Nemours Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a classic, elegant perennial known for its fragrant, creamy-white double flowers. To plant the bulbs, choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining, fertile soil. In autumn, dig a hole about 12-18 inches deep and wide, and mix in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.

Place the peony bulb with the eyes (buds) facing upwards, ensuring they are about 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Fill the hole and water well. Peonies require minimal care, but make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and remove faded flowers to promote healthy growth. In autumn, cut back the foliage to ground level to reduce the risk of diseases over winter.

Duchesse De Nemours Peonies typically bloom in late spring to early summer, depending on the climate and growing conditions. The flowers can last for up to two weeks, and the eye-catching blooms make an excellent addition to cut flower arrangements.

To prolong the flowering period, provide peonies with ideal growing conditions, including proper planting depth, soil amendments, and sunlight exposure. Deadheading spent blooms can also encourage a second flush of flowers, although it may not be as prolific as the initial blooming period.

While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Duchesse De Nemours Peonies are generally considered deer-resistant. Their strong fragrance and thick, woody stems tend to deter deer from browsing on them.

However, if deer pressure is high in your area, it's essential to take additional measures to protect your peonies, such as installing a deer fence or using repellents. It's also helpful to plant other deer-resistant plants around your peonies to create a less attractive environment for deer.

Duchesse De Nemours Peonies are usually propagated by division in autumn, once the foliage starts to die back. Carefully dig around the peony clump, lift it out of the ground, and gently shake off the excess soil. Use a sharp, clean knife or garden shears to divide the root clump, ensuring that each division has at least three to five eyes (buds) and a healthy root system.

Replant the divisions in prepared soil, following the planting guidelines for peony bulbs. Water well and apply a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Be patient, as divided peonies may take a few years to establish and produce flowers.