What to plant for Peony perfection
CULTIVATED in China for centuries and planted en masse at the Imperial Palace during the Sui Dynasty, peonies are known there as the ‘King of Flowers’, symbolising riches and prosperity. And with their voluptuous blooms, handsome foliage, fine fragrance and range of colours, it’s not hard to see why. Unashamedly romantic, they work equally well in a classic English cottage garden or a more modern planting scheme.
heir appeal goes beyond looks and fragrance, however. According to nursery owner Claire Austin, holder of the National Collection of hybrid herbaceous peonies, their easygoing nature makes them “perfect for busy gardeners”. Claire explains: “Peonies are very hardy, long-lived and tolerant of neglect. They’re great for cutting, too, although they can take up to three years to produce a lot of flowers.”
As for the notion that peonies can’t be moved? Luckily, this is a myth. So long as the roots are replanted
