Peony 'Doctor Alexander Fleming' Paeonia lactiflora 'Doctor Alexander Fleming'

Water

Peonies, including the 'Doctor Alexander Fleming' variety, prefer a consistent watering schedule to ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy. During the growing season, provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental watering. When watering, it's best to do so early in the day to allow the foliage to dry out, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. In the absence of rain, this may equate to roughly 0.62 gallons for a small peony plant or up to 2.5 gallons for a larger bush, spread out over a week, always considering the soil moisture levels before adding more water.

Light

Peonies like 'Doctor Alexander Fleming' thrive in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate light afternoon shade but prefer a location that provides ample morning sunlight which is crucial for vibrant bloom production and strength. Ensure the planting spot is well away from competing trees and shrubs, as peonies compete poorly for light and nutrients.

Temperature

The 'Doctor Alexander Fleming' peony flourishes in temperatures that are typical of temperate regions. These plants do well with winter chill and can survive winter lows down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, although they are most content in zones 3-8. The ideal growing temperature for peonies ranges from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and cooler at night. High temperatures and humidity might impact blooming and overall health, so providing some afternoon shade in hotter climates can be beneficial.

Pruning

'Doctor Alexander Fleming' peonies do not require extensive pruning, but deadheading spent blooms after flowering encourages plant health. In late fall, once the leaves have died back, cut the peony stems down to about 3 inches above the ground to prepare for winter and help prevent overwintering diseases. Pruning is typically done annually, following the plant's natural dormancy cycle.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Peonies like well-drained soil enriched with compost. The ideal pH for Peony 'Doctor Alexander Fleming' is 6.5 to 7.0. A mix containing two-thirds garden soil and one-third compost or well-rotted manure works best.

Repotting

Peonies, including 'Doctor Alexander Fleming', rarely need repotting and are typically planted in the ground. They can live in the same spot for many years without necessitating division or repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Peony 'Doctor Alexander Fleming' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. They perform well in the ambient outdoor humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal to grow Peonies like 'Doctor Alexander Fleming' indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA.

Life cycle

The Paeonia lactiflora 'Doctor Alexander Fleming', commonly known as Peony 'Doctor Alexander Fleming', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in the soil or when divisions of mature plants are transplanted. After a period of cold stratification, which breaks seed dormancy, germination occurs in spring, and the plant develops a small set of leaves the first year while establishing a strong root system. In the following years, the peony grows into a larger bush with compound, deeply lobed leaves, and by the third or fourth year, it starts to produce large, fragrant pink flowers during late spring to early summer. Once flowering is finished, the plant enters a period of energy accumulation, storing nutrients in the roots for the next season. As the weather cools and winter approaches, the peony dies back to the ground, remaining dormant through the winter months. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the peony begins its cycle anew, sending up fresh shoots that will grow, mature, and eventually bloom, continuing its perennial life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late autumn

• Paeonia lactiflora 'Doctor Alexander Fleming', commonly known as Peony 'Doctor Alexander Fleming', is frequently propagated by division, which is best carried out in the fall when the plant has become dormant. Dig up the peony clump with care, trying not to damage the roots. The clump should then be cleaned of soil and the roots should be divided using a sharp knife, ensuring that each section has at least three to five eyes, which are the potential growth points for the next year. These divisions should be replanted promptly at a depth where the eyes are covered with approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) of soil. Adequate spacing of about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) between the plants will allow for air circulation and growth.