Paeonia lactiflora ‘Henry Bockstoce’

‘Henry Bockstoce’ is widely rated as one of the finest red double peonies ever bred. A 1955 hybrid of Paeonia lactiflora and Paeonia officinalis, it carries enormous fully double flowers, up to 20cm across, in a rich cardinal-red with a beautifully rounded rose-shaped form.

The flowers are fragrant and sit on strong, upright stems that rarely need staking. Plants form a lush bushy clump of glossy dark green divided foliage, reaching around 95 to 100cm.

Blooming heavily in late spring to early summer for around 7 to 10 days. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with the crown set no deeper than 5cm below soil level. Don’t move peonies once established.

A proper statement plant for a cottage-garden border, a formal peony bed, or one of the great cut-flower varieties for the vase.