Growing guide · Perennials

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sorbet'

How to grow Peony 'Sorbet'.

Layered like dessert. Back every June.

Light
Full sun, part sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3–8
Size
30–36 in. tall and wide
Spacing
3 ft apart.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
See sizes · from $53.99
Double peony flower with layers of pink outer petals and a band of ruffled ivory petals

Light

Full sun for the most flowers. It takes a little afternoon shade.

Water

Water during dry spells the first two years. After that it's on its own except in drought.

Planting and soil

Plant in early fall if you can, or spring, with the eyes 1–2 in. below the surface. Don't mulch over the crown.

Feeding

A little compost in spring. Too much nitrogen means leaves and no flowers.

Pruning

Deadhead after bloom. Cut stems to the ground in fall.

Through the year

Red shoots in early spring. Flowers late May to June. Green leaves all summer, sometimes reddish in fall.

If something's off

No flowers usually means it's too deep or too shady. Botrytis blackens buds in wet springs; clean up foliage in fall. Ants on the buds are harmless.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

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Why we stock it: An unusual layered flower with real fragrance on a plant that outlives most gardeners.

That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.

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