Peony 'Kansas' - 2 pieces

CHF 19.90

Peony 'Kansas' - 2 pieces

Name: Peony 'Kansas' - 2 pieces
Brand: Paeonia
Price: 19.90 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'

CHF 19.90

Densely double red flowers approx. 18 cm across
Colour hardly fades even in full sun
Awarded the Gold Medal of the American Peony Society
Flowers in May and June, height about 90–110 cm
Very strong stems, ideal cut flower

Many consider 'Kansas' the best double red peony. Its large flowers in rich watermelon to carmine red keep their colour even in full sun. Strong stems carry the heavy balls, and a pleasant scent completes the picture. A classic for borders and vases.

About this variety

If you are looking for a red peony, sooner or later you will come to 'Kansas'. The flowers are densely double, their petals rolled into a lavish ball, and they reach around 18 cm across. The colour lies between watermelon red and carmine and stays strong even on hot days. The variety was honoured with the Gold Medal of the American Peony Society.

At about 90–110 cm tall, 'Kansas' sets a strong accent in a sunny border. White ox-eye daisies, silvery lamb's ears or pale blue delphiniums make the red look even more intense. It also looks good in front of dark shrubs or in a natural garden. It is only of limited use in pots.

In a vase, 'Kansas' is an event. Cut the stems at the bud stage, when the bud is as soft as a marshmallow, and it will open slowly indoors. The perennial lives to a great age, needs hardly any care and flowers for decades in a good spot.

Planting

Ideally plant the rhizomes from September to November, or alternatively in spring until May. The eyes should be covered with only 2–3 cm of soil; planted too deep, they will not flower. Allow 70–90 cm between plants. A sunny to partially shaded position with nutrient-rich, moist and well-drained soil produces the finest flowers.

Care

Water thoroughly in dry weather, but avoid standing water. Feed in spring with compost or an organic perennial fertiliser. Despite the strong stems, a plant support ring is worthwhile for the heavy flowers in rain. Aphids on the buds are usually harmless. Do not move it; the perennial is hardy in Switzerland, even at higher altitudes.

Specifications

Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'
Genus: Peony
Class: Various
Supplied as: Bare roots
Flower colour: Red
Flower size: 18 cm
Fragrant: Yes
Fragrance strength: Medium
Flowering time: May, June
Flowering season: Late spring, Early summer
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 100 cm
Spread: 90 cm
Habit: Clump-forming
Position: Sun, Partial shade
Suitable for: Bed, Wildlife garden and meadow, Woodland edge, Cutting garden
Soil type: Clay, Loamy, Sandy
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.
Water needs: Medium
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): 3–8
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: Not attractive to pollinators
Deer and rodent resistant: Yes
Toxicity: Contact with the plant can irritate the skin. Wear gloves when planting and do not eat.
RHS hardiness: H6