Nursery grown

Duchesse de Nemours Peony

Name: Duchesse de Nemours Peony
Brand: Duchesse de Nemours Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours'

Duchesse de Nemours Peony, Nursery-Grown 2 Gallon

$69.95 2 Gallon

Size

Quantity1

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Highly deer-resistant and long-lived, persisting indefinitely with minimal ongoing care
Creamy white blooms with pale yellow centers perfect for cutting and cottage gardens
Moderate growth habit reaches 26-36 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide

Secure checkoutShips in its nursery containerGrowing guides included

About this plant

Duchesse de Nemours is a classic herbaceous peony with creamy white blooms and pale yellow flushed centers. It excels in mixed perennial borders, cutting gardens, and cottage plantings, reaching 26-36 inches tall. Blooms appear in early to mid-season (typically May), and the foliage takes on bronze-red tones in fall before dormancy. The plant is mildly toxic to dogs, cats and horses if a good amount is eaten, so keep pets from chewing on it.

This 2-gallon container-grown peony arrives ready to plant in your garden. Upon arrival, select a location with full sun and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season. Peonies are drought-tolerant once established but prefer regular moisture for optimal blooms and long-term vigor.

Room for Duchesse de Nemours Peony?

Creamy white flowers with a pale yellow center brighten a bed early in May.

Pale drift

Repeat clumps 3 feet apart for a drift of cream in May.

Iris neighbors

Iris and baptisia make good companions in a mixed perennial border.

Cottage bed

It fits relaxed plantings with roses and salvia, reaching 26 to 36 inches.

Wide pot

Pick a container at least 18 to 24 inches across, though the ground overwinters it better.

Not ideal for: Avoid small containers and any spot without six hours of direct sun.

Good to know: A good amount eaten can mildly poison dogs, cats and horses, so keep pets off it.

Duchesse de Nemours Peony at a glance

Botanical name	Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours'
Plant type	herbaceous perennial
USDA zones	3-8
Mature height	26-36 in (varies with soil and climate)
Mature width	24-36 in
Sun	full sun (6+ hours); tolerates light afternoon shade in hot southern climates
Water	average, consistent moisture; drought-tolerant once established but blooms best without prolonged dry spells
Bloom time	early to mid-season (typically May, varies by zone/region)
Bloom color	creamy white with pale yellow flushed center
Growth rate	moderate; reaches full mature size in about 3-4 years, then persists indefinitely with minimal size change year to year
Deer resistance	high
Best planting time	fall is preferred (bare-root divisions); container-grown plants can be planted spring or fall

Container sizes explained

#1 / 1 Gallon	A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system.
#2 / 2 Gallon	A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year.
#3 / 3 Gallon	A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival.

Questions before you buy

Is the 2-gallon size appropriate for my space?

Yes, the 2-gallon peony is a container-grown plant that will reach its full size within 3-4 years. It's suitable for mixed borders, cutting gardens, and foundation plantings. Space 3-5 feet apart if planting multiples.

When should I plant this peony after it arrives?

Plant as soon as possible after arrival in a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly after planting. Peonies are best planted in fall or early spring, and container-grown peonies can be planted in spring or fall if kept consistently moist.

How large will this peony grow?

Duchesse de Nemours reaches 26-36 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide. It has a moderate growth rate and reaches its full mature display within 3-4 years of planting.

What are the sun requirements for this peony?

Plant in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily) for best blooming. In hot southern climates, it tolerates light afternoon shade, which can help protect flowers during intense heat.

Will this peony grow in my USDA hardiness zone?

Duchesse de Nemours is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Check your zone on the USDA Hardiness Zone Map to confirm it's appropriate for your area.

What is the best first-year care for a newly planted peony?

Maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season, watering deeply after planting. Peonies are drought-tolerant once established but prefer regular moisture for optimal blooms. Hold off on feeding until early spring, when shoots emerge, then use a light, low-nitrogen fertilizer.