Paeonia x lactiflora Think pink - Chinese Peony

The Paeonia lactiflora 'Think Pink', classified as a Chinese peony, is a remarkable herbaceous perennial plant with large, barely double, well-formed flowers in a vibrant pink colour with golden yellow stamens, delicately scented. Hardy and robust, this variety is ideal for adding a touch of elegance and colour to the garden, as well as to homemade bouquets. Herbaceous peonies are robust and faithful, sometimes taking a little time to establish themselves, but they grow year after year and can live for over 50 years, outlasting the person who planted them.

The herbaceous and hybrid peonies mainly come from Paeonia lactiflora, a perennial plant native to central and eastern Asia (from eastern Tibet, northern China, to eastern Siberia), where it naturally grows in woods and meadows. This plant now belongs to the peony family. Its deciduous foliage emerges in spring and disappears in autumn. It grows from a large, fleshy root that does not appreciate being moved.

The 'Think Pink' lactiflora peony is characterised by double and semi-double flowers in a very bright medium pink colour, measuring 15 cm in diameter. Young plants generally produce semi-double flowers, while mature plants bear more double flowers. The outer petals, with a thick texture, hold the more delicate inner petals in a sort of cup. The corollas always have stamens, but they will be more visible and numerous on the semi-double flowers. The floral buds, 3 to 5 per stem, allow for a prolonged flowering in the middle of the peony season, in May-June. This flowering emits a classic peony scent, rather mild. The plant reaches a height of 68 to 70 cm and has medium green foliage that remains decorative after flowering. The lactiflora peony has a bushy habit and its growth is relatively slow, taking several years to reach full maturity. This perennial is suitable for temperate climates and can tolerate harsh winters. Its leafy stems disappear in winter, while the buds that will develop in spring persist at ground level. Over time, the peony becomes majestic and blooms more abundantly, producing up to 60 flowers.

The 'Think Pink' lactiflora peony fits perfectly in flower beds and borders, but it can also be used as a specimen plant. It can be associated with other perennial plants and low-growing shrubs. It is a good companion for old-fashioned roses, catmints, and delphiniums. These combinations allow for variations in height, texture, and colour. To lighten the large flowers of the peony, consider also adding forget-me-nots and baby's breath. This peony will also increase the supply of flowers for bouquets in the vegetable garden. Cultivating it in a pot is not recommended, as its needs will not be satisfied.

Peonies are part of those plants that form the foundation of a garden. In the past, every garden, from the most modest to the most elaborate, proudly displayed clumps of flowers in spring that made their way into the house, accompanying lilac and bluebell bouquets.