Paeonia lactiflora ‘Immaculee’

We’ve had a soft spot for ‘Immaculee’ for years on our Thurning nursery grounds. The flowers are the main event; they are large, semi-double, and spicily scented. They open with a hint of pink before turning a pure, clean white, often with a flash of red or pale yellow at the very centre.

This is a bushy, upright peony that forms a handsome clump of dark green, divided leaves. It will reach around 0.9 metres in height. It performs best in full sun or just a little partial shade, in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Like all herbaceous peonies, it dies back to the ground each winter.

Peonies don’t like being moved, so choose its spot with care. Simply cut the old foliage back to the ground in late autumn once it has died back to keep things tidy and prevent disease. It’s a reliable choice for the middle of a border and the flowers are excellent for cutting.