Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple' is a classic and highly popular variety of herbaceous peony, renowned for its large, double flowers and elegant appearance. This perennial plant is a favored choice in ornamental gardens due to its delicate beauty and subtle fragrance, named in honor of the famous actress Shirley Temple, evoking her grace and charm.
Flower Appearance
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Shape: The flowers are double, with numerous overlapping petals that create a round, full shape, similar to a pompom. The flower diameter can reach 15-20 cm.
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Color: When opening, the flowers are a delicate pale pink, which gradually fades to a pure creamy white as they mature, offering a refined visual effect. Sometimes, the petals may retain subtle pink traces near the base.
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Scent: It emits a sweet and subtle fragrance, typical of peonies from the Paeonia lactiflora species, attracting pollinators and delighting the senses.
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Blooming period: Blooms in May-June, with a duration of about 7-10 days per flower, although the plant produces several flowers successively, extending the floral display.
Growth Features
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Height: Grows up to 80-90 cm tall and about 60-80 cm wide, forming a compact and well-structured bush.
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Foliage: The leaves are a dark, glossy green, deeply lobed, and remain attractive throughout the season, even after the flowers fade. In autumn, the foliage may take on reddish hues.
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Vigor: It is a sturdy plant, with strong stems that support the heavy flowers well, although in windy or heavy rain conditions it may benefit from support (e.g., staking rings).
Growing Conditions
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Exposure: Prefers full sun or light partial shade, with at least 6 hours of daily light for optimal blooming.
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Soil: Requires fertile, well-drained soil, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH (6-7). Clay soils rich in organic matter are ideal.
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Watering: Needs regular watering, especially in the first year and during dry periods, but does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
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Planting: Plant in autumn (September-October) or early spring, with rhizomes no more than 2-3 cm below soil level to avoid inhibiting flowering.
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Pruning: In autumn, after the leaves dry, cut the stems 5-10 cm above the ground.
Care and Hardiness
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Hardiness: Very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -30°C (USDA zones 3-8), making it suitable for temperate climates, including Romania.
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Fertilizing: A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) applied in spring at shoot emergence stimulates flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favors leaves over flowers.
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Pests and diseases: Resistant to most problems but can be affected by gray mold (Botrytis) in damp conditions; ensure good ventilation.
Garden Use
'Shirley Temple' peony is perfect for borders, groups of perennials, or as a focal point in the garden. Its spectacular flowers combine well with roses, lavender, or irises, and the dense foliage provides an attractive backdrop. It is also excellent for floral arrangements due to the size and durability of the cut flowers.
Origin
Paeonia lactiflora, the base species, is native to East Asia, especially China, Mongolia, and Siberia, where it grows naturally in meadows and mountainous areas. It has been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years, initially for its medicinal properties and later for its ornamental beauty. The 'Shirley Temple' peony variety was introduced into horticulture in 1948 by American breeder Louis Smirnow, who obtained it through selective crosses of lactiflora peonies. Its name honors actress Shirley Temple, reflecting the purity and charm of its white flowers with pink accents.
Note: New shoots are fragile and may break during transport. The plant has a rhizome and will sprout again.
