Peony 'Bridal Shower'

CHF 37.95

Peony 'Bridal Shower'

Name: Peony 'Bridal Shower'
Brand: Paeonia
Price: 37.95 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Paeonia lactiflora 'Bridal Shower'

CHF 37.95

Densely double flowers in white to creamy white
Soft, frilly petals
Flowers in May and June, light scent
About 90–110 cm tall, strong stems
Pollinator-friendly and excellent for the vase

'Bridal Shower' bears large, densely double flowers in white to creamy white with soft, frilly petals. In May and June they give off a light, sweet scent. As the name says, this peony is a favourite for weddings and festive bouquets.

About this variety

'Bridal Shower' was introduced in 1981 by the American breeder Carl G. Klehm. Its flowers are densely double, with soft, frilly petals. The colour lies between pure white and cream, sometimes with a hint of pink. The flowers look light and airy, like a bridal veil.

At about 90–110 cm tall, 'Bridal Shower' is a stately peony for the middle or back of a border. The strong stems carry the flowers well even in bad weather. Combine it with blue bellflowers, columbine or dark red peonies for a lovely contrast. In a cutting garden it supplies plenty of stems. It is only of limited use in pots.

Its strength shows in the vase: the white flowers suit bridal bouquets, table decorations and simple glasses. Cut at the soft bud stage. In the garden, the flowers are visited by pollinators. The foliage remains attractive all season. After a few years in the same place, an established plant bears so many flowers that you can cut them without the border looking empty.

Planting

Plant the bare-root rhizomes in autumn from September to November; pot-grown plants can also go in in spring. Cover the eyes with only 2–3 cm of soil, because peonies planted too deep do not flower. Keep 70–90 cm apart. A place in sun to partial shade with moist chalky, clay or loamy soil is ideal.

Care

Water regularly in the first year after planting, later during prolonged dry spells. Feed in spring with compost or organic fertiliser. A support keeps the heavy flowers from toppling over. Peonies should not be moved, as they often do not flower for years afterwards. Cut back the foliage in late autumn; the perennial is hardy.

Specifications

Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora 'Bridal Shower'
Genus: Peony
Class: Various
Supplied as: Bare roots
Flower colour: White
Fragrant: Yes
Fragrance strength: Light
Flowering time: May, June
Flowering season: Late spring, Early summer
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 100 cm
Spread: 90 cm
Habit: Clump-forming, Bushy
Position: Sun, Partial shade
Suitable for: Bed, Wildlife garden and meadow, Woodland edge, Cutting garden
Soil type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November
Planting depth: Cover the eyes with 2–3 cm of soil
Spacing: 70–90 cm
Number per m²: 2
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Hardiness by location: Hardy, also at higher altitudes
Hardiness zone (USDA): 3–4
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Only partly suitable for containers
Container note: Only recommended in a sufficiently large, stable, well-drained container.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Not suitable
Naturalising note: Persists for several years in a suitable spot, but does not normally spread over larger areas on its own.
For bees and butterflies: Pollinator-friendly
Toxicity: Contact with the plant can irritate the skin. Wear gloves when planting and do not eat.
RHS hardiness: H6