Duchesse de Nemours Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours'
Duchesse de Nemours Peony, Nursery-Grown 2 Gallon
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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
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.
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.
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 mature, field-grown specimen that will reach its full size within 3-4 years. It's suitable for mixed borders, cutting gardens, and foundation plantings. Space at least 24-36 inches 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, but container-grown peonies can be planted throughout the growing season 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 and whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Peonies are drought-tolerant once established but prefer regular moisture for optimal blooms. Avoid fertilizing in the first year; let the peony focus on root establishment.