Descartes peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Descartes'
APS Registry
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moderate soil
- Habit
- Tall, upright
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- Red
- Foliage color
- Dark foliage
- Soil types
- Loam
Garden uses
Notes
'Descartes' peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Descartes') is a perennial for borders, perennial beds, and cut flower gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun, average moisture, and loamy soil. The double, fragrant flowers are red and open in early summer. They sit above dark foliage on tall, upright plants. Auguste Dessert bred it in 1921.
Pairs well with Brown-eyed Susan, Royal fern, and Spanish bluebell.