Paeonia x lactiflora Rome - Pivoine herbacée naine 'Rome'

The Patio Peony Rome is a compact variety of Chinese Peony from the Patio range, which as its name suggests, was specifically developed for container growing to adorn terraces, balconies, and patios. Its low-growing foliage of a beautiful deep green is particularly dense, and its sturdy flowering stems allow for the creation of a superb flowering pot. Beginning towards the end of May, its flowering period blooms until early July in the form of large flowers of a strong candy pink. The thick-packed double petals largely conceal the yellow stamens while the smart corollas are well highlighted by the darker foliage. Perfect in a container, this very hardy Peony can also be cultivated in open ground in the garden, where it prefers sunny spots and cool, but well-drained soil.

Classified in the Paeoniaceae family of which it is the sole member, the Peony (Paeonia in botanical Latin) was previously attached to the Ranunculaceae. With fewer than 40 species including the famous Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa), it is the subject of genuine veneration by gardeners and collectors worldwide. The Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a perennial plant native to southeastern Siberia to northeastern China, regions with a very harsh climate, which explains its robustness against the cold. In winter, its foliage disappears, but in spring, new buds emerge, bringing the plant back to life. Cultivated for over two millennia in China, initially for medicinal purposes, it was introduced to Europe in the 18th century and gained popularity in the late 19th century. It was also intensely hybridised by specialist nurseries, notably in France.
The Patio Peony collection was developed by a Dutch nursery with the aim of promoting container growing to decorate terraces and patios. It currently comprises eight hybrid varieties of Chinese Peonies with single, semi-double, or double flowers, of varying precocity and in shades ranging from white to red through various shades of pinks, to satisfy all tastes. The Peony 'Patio Peony Rome' is a relatively compact variety measuring approximately 60 cm in height and 50 cm in width. It forms a dense clump of deeply cut, deep green, slightly satin-like leaves of a healthy and decorative appearance. This somewhat dark foliage offers a beautiful setting for the lighter coloured flowering. Beginning in the second half of May or in June, depending on the climate, and blooming until July, the flowers are very thickly double. The numerous slightly undulate petals on the periphery of the corolla are crinkled towards the centre, giving an undeniable and rather irresistible romantic charm to this perennial plant. They largely conceal the dark pink pistils as well as the yellow stamens located at the heart of the flower. The cup-shaped flowers have a diameter of approximately 8 cm and are borne on sturdy flowering stems. You can cut them to create magnificent indoor vase arrangements. If you choose to plant it in open ground, it will gradually widen each year, so it is important to choose its initial location carefully as it is averse to being transplanted.

The Paeonia lactiflora 'Patio Peony Rome' is an excellent choice for adorning a terrace or patio. To extend the flowering season into summer, you can pair it with a clump of Agapanthus, an exotic, also very floriferous perennial which will take over from July onwards, offering you clusters of flowers often in incredible colours. This peony can also be perfectly integrated into a varied garden bed, mixing bushes and perennials, or an English mixed-border. In this case, play with foliage contrasts by integrating into a less sunny area a few clumps of Heuchera 'Cherry Cola' with coppery red leaves. The Ajuga reptans 'Jungle Beauty', a purple creeping perennial with blue-violet flowers in summer, will also create a beautiful contrast with the bright green of your small peony. However, be sure to leave a safe distance between the two so that this creeping bugleweed does not compete with your Peony.