Paeonia officinalis Alba Plena

Paeonia officinalis Alba Plena is one of the oldest varieties directly derived from Paeonia officinalis. The one that was called the "peasant's peony", the Paeonia officinalis Rubra Plena, born as usual from a big red bud, slowly unfolding into a curious pink pompom, one day appeared in full bloom in a tangle of pure white petals. Double, globular, of medium size, its delicately scented flower is one of the first to bloom, after its double red mother and the simple wild form. This robust garden perennial has round foliage of fairly light green that autumn paints red, magnificent in late-season floral compositions.

Paeonia officinalis is native to central and southern Europe. Like all peonies, it belongs to the renonculaceae family (now peony family). There are several subspecies and varieties of officinal peony, including the Alba Plena form, with pure white double flowers.

'Alba Plena' is a fleshy rhizomatous herbaceous plant, very hardy. Its growth is slow during the first years, eventually forming a bushy clump of 60-70cm (24-28in) in all directions, the clump slowly spreading thanks to its fleshy roots. Its stems bear leaves divided into leaflets that are divided into lanceolate segments with entire edges, not very pointed at their tips. The blade, slightly satin, is of a fairly light green, grey and finely hairy on the underside. The flowering lasts for 4 to 6 weeks, usually starting in early May depending on the climate. The solitary flowers, 14cm (6in) wide, appear at the tips of the stems, in the form of red or pink buds. When they open, they are pink, often streaked with red, then quickly fade to pure white. Each flower is composed of thin, translucent and slightly wrinkled petals, which appear marbled in length. The weight of the flowers bends the stems, which often need to be staked. Note that this peony is usually sterile and that its longevity is excellent, sometimes exceeding the duration of a human life.

Peonies are part of those plants that constitute the basis of a garden. Formerly, not so long ago, every garden, from the most modest to the most elaborate, proudly displayed clumps covered with fragrant flowers that made their way into the house, keeping company in each bouquet with purple lilacs and blue bellflowers. The Alba Plena peony, incredibly sturdy once established, yet full of charm and sweetness, deserves a place in every flower garden. It thrives in large borders, in full light to flower generously. However, avoid west-facing exposures in warm climates. A clump of Paeonia officinalis Alba Plena in full bloom forms a very nice gradient of red, pink, and white. It can be combined with a wide range of timeless and unpretentious perennials such as columbines, bellflowers, foxgloves, garden irises, carnations, oxeye daisies, or Christmas roses. Cultivating it in a pot is not recommended, as its needs will not be met. Over time, the peony becomes majestic, multiplies, and blooms more and more abundantly. Give a beautiful gift to those who are dear to you: offer them a peony! 

Properties:

This species of peony was already prized in the Middle Ages, where it featured in the herb garden. Its root was attributed with anti-epileptic, anti-spasmodic, and narcotic properties. Modern science has demonstrated the presence of specific alkaloids with therapeutic purposes in this plant. Note that the first horticultural varieties created in the late sixteenth century, such as Alba Plena, are still cultivated in our gardens.