Paeonia lactiflora Lorelei

Paeonia 'Lorelei' is a herbaceous hybrid peony whose flower has an unusual colour and bomb-shaped form. First orange-pink, the petals fade to apricot, peach and cream. It is appreciated in the garden for its changing colours, and in a vase for its spicy fragrance. Plant it near a path to observe all its shades together on one clump. Cut a few stems to create a large painterly bouquet with spring flowers.

This perennial plant belongs to the Paeoniaceae family. All its above-ground growth dries back after frost, then its crown sends up new shoots in spring. 'Lorelei' was raised by Don Hollingsworth in Missouri and registered in 1996. Its first flowering dates back to around 1980. Its parentage combines a seedling of Paeonia lactiflora from Harold Wolfe and 'Good Cheer'. This cultivar received a Certificate of Merit in 1991, awarded by the American Peony Society before its official registration. It is a mid-season variety that flowers in May. The plant grows slowly at first, like many peonies, then forms a clump that can live for many years. It reaches 70 to 90cm in height when in flower, depending on soil fertility and climate. Its stems are sturdy with a single terminal bud, which showcases the bloom above the foliage. The flower is medium to large, around 15cm across. It is bomb-shaped, i.e. globose and quite tall. Many dense central petals are surrounded by broader, softer petals. The flower bud blends cherry, deep pink and orange tones; when fully open, the flower displays a warm coral pink, then turns orange-apricot, then pinkish cream. Rarely are two flowers alike on the clump. The fragrance is spicy and sweet, more pronounced when the flower first opens. The medium green, distinctly veined foliage consists of elongated, dissected leaflets.
The name 'Lorelei' refers to the Rhenish figure associated with the rock of the same name, famous for its echo; in the garden, this name is easy to remember because of the flower's changing colour.

Plant 'Lorelei' in a prominent border so you can admire its flowers. Cut the stems when the flower bud feels soft to the touch; the flower will open slowly in a vase, changing from coral to cream apricot. In the garden or in a bouquet, pair it with muted, soft tones: Allium 'Miami', Foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot', Polemonium 'Bressingham Purple' and Amsonia 'Blue Ice' to create a refined late spring scene, between mauve, peach, bronze and cool blue.