Other Names:  Itoh Peony

Group/Class:  Itoh Hybrids

Brand:  Monrovia

Description:

Very large, bright yellow, fully double blooms on strong stems that won't require staking; lush, deep green foliage; the abundant flowers are wonderfully fragrant; an excellent specimen for shrub borders or sunny gardens

Ornamental Features

Duchesse de Lorraine Peony features showy fragrant yellow flowers at the ends of the stems in late spring. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its pointy compound leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Duchesse de Lorraine Peony is an herbaceous perennial with a more or less rounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease

Duchesse de Lorraine Peony is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Duchesse de Lorraine Peony will grow to be about 28 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 30 inches apart. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.