Paeonies

Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt' is one of the best-loved classic peonies, producing very large, fully double blooms in soft rose-pink with a sumptuous, romantic look and a strong, sweet fragrance.

The flowers appear in late spring to early summer above handsome divided foliage, and the sturdy, long-lived clump makes an outstanding feature in mixed borders as well as a superb cut flower.

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, keeping the eyes only just below the soil surface for reliable flowering and long-term performance.

Water while establishing, mulch annually around the clump and leave the foliage to die back naturally in autumn so the plant can build strength for the following year.

Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' produces luminous coral-pink flowers that soften as they age, often revealing warmer apricot and golden tones toward the centre for a glowing late spring display.

The blooms are large and well presented on sturdy stems, making this a reliable border peony as well as a superb cut flower for seasonal arrangements.

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light shade, placing the eyes only shallowly beneath the soil surface and choosing a site where the plant can remain undisturbed.

Water in dry weather while establishing, mulch around but not over the crown, and leave foliage in place until it dies back naturally in autumn.

Paeonia 'Coral Charm' is a renowned early peony with large semi-double blooms that open rich coral-pink and gradually soften through peachy apricot shades as the flowers mature.

The changing colour gives the plant great garden interest, while the strong stems and substantial blooms make it a favourite for both borders and cutting.

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, setting the eyes just below soil level and avoiding deep planting, which can reduce flowering.

Water while the plant establishes, mulch annually around the crown and allow foliage to die back naturally in autumn for the healthiest long-term clump.

Paeonia 'Bartzella' is a striking intersectional peony with large, lemon-yellow blooms often lightly flushed or marked near the centre, bringing a luminous focal point to late spring borders.

The flowers are carried on strong stems above handsome divided foliage, combining the flower power of herbaceous peonies with the sturdy framework and garden presence of Itoh types.

Plant in full sun or light shade in fertile, well-drained soil, taking care to position the eyes only a little below the soil surface for reliable flowering.

Once established, peonies are long-lived and resent disturbance, so water in dry spells early on, mulch annually and allow the foliage to die back naturally each autumn.