Background
P. lactiflora was known as the white peony (P. albiflora) when first introduced into Europe. It was brought to England in the mid-18th century, and is the parent of most modern varieties. There are several hundred selected cultivars in a range of colours, sizes and forms; many have double flowers, with the stamens modified into additional petals. There are many colors now available, from pure milk white, to pink, rose, and near red, along with single to fully double forms. They are prolific bloomers, and have become the main source of peonies for the cut flower business.
In China P. lactiflora is less highly valued as an ornamental plant than the cultivars of tree peony Paeonia rockii (tree peony) and its hybrid Paeonia x suffruticosa.
The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-
- 'Bowl of Beauty' (double, pink & cream)
- 'Duchesse de Nemours' (double white)
- 'Laura Dessert' (double white)
- 'Sarah Bernhardt' (double pink)
- 'Whitleyi Major' (single white with prominent stamens)
Read more about this topic: Paeonia Lactiflora
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