Peony Paeonia lactiflora 'Laura Dessert'
ABOUT
The 'Laura Dessert' peony features large, fragrant blooms that make it a standout in the garden. The flowers are typically double-form, meaning they have many layers of petals, and exhibit a creamy white color with a hint of yellow at the base, which gives them a soft and subtle warmth. The lush petals can appear almost ruffled, adding to their fullness and creating a luxurious look. The center of each flower may show a few specks of crimson, providing a striking contrast to the creamy petals. The peony's foliage is a deep green, forming an attractive backdrop for the spectacular blooms. As a perennial, it returns each year, with the foliage often emerging in early spring and the flowers making their appearance later in spring or early summer. The foliage can remain attractive even after the flowering season, adding to the plant's ornamental value throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paeoniaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Peony, White Peony
Common names
Paeonia lactiflora.
ToxicityTo humans
Peony, specifically Paeonia lactiflora 'Laura Dessert', is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, peonies contain compounds that may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Some people may also experience skin irritation when handling the plant, due to the presence of sensitizing chemicals. It is advisable to avoid eating any part of the peony plant and to wash hands after handling it to prevent potential skin irritation.
To pets
Peony, specifically Paeonia lactiflora 'Laura Dessert', may be toxic to pets if ingested. It contains paeonol, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Occasionally, more severe symptoms could occur, but these are rare. It is a good practice to prevent pets from consuming the plant to avoid these adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Paeonia lactiflora 'Laura Dessert', commonly known as the Chinese peony, adds ornamental value to gardens with its attractive, large blooms that come in shades of white, pink, and red.
- Longevity: Chinese peonies are perennials, which means they can live and bloom for many years with proper care.
- Seasonal Interest: They have a distinct blooming season in late spring to early summer, providing a burst of color in the garden during this time.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Chinese peonies attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Chinese peonies require minimal maintenance, making them an easy plant for gardeners of all levels to grow.
- Cold Hardy: Chinese peonies are cold hardy and can withstand cold winter temperatures, making them suitable for many climates.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Chinese peonies are excellent for cutting and arranging in vases, with a long vase life, adding beauty indoors as well as out.
- Ritual and Symbolism: The Chinese peony is often associated with wealth, prosperity, and bashfulness in various cultures, making it a popular choice for gardens that are designed with symbolism in mind.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Paeonia lactiflora has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Analgesic: There is evidence suggesting it may have pain-relieving effects.
- Immunomodulatory: It may modulate the immune system.
- Antioxidant: Contains compounds that could have antioxidant effects.
- Antispasmodic: Might be used to relieve muscle spasms.
- Neuroprotective: Some studies suggest it has protective effects on the nervous system.
- Cardiovascular Health: May contribute to heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary garnish – Petals of the peony can be used to add a splash of color to salads or desserts.
- Dye production – Peonies can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper.
- Book pressing – Flowers can be pressed and used in art projects or to adorn the pages of a handmade book.
- Scented sachets – Dried peony petals can fill sachets to freshen up drawers or closets with a mild, pleasant aroma.
- Wedding decor – Peonies can be used for their aesthetic beauty in bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations.
- Photography – Peonies are often used as subjects or background in floral photography due to their lush, full blooms.
- Artistic inspiration – Artists may draw inspiration from the beauty of peonies for paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
- Craft projects – Peony blooms can be incorporated into various DIY craft projects such as wreaths or paper flower making.
- Cultural rituals – In some cultures, peonies are used during particular ceremonies or celebrations as a symbol of romance and prosperity.
- Fragrance for homemade candles – The scent of peonies can be captured in candle-making, providing a delicate fragrance when the candle is lit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Peony is a symbol of wealth and romance in Feng Shui, and is often used to attract positive relationships and love—place it in the southwest corner of a home or garden.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Peony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: Paeonia lactiflora, commonly known as the Peony, is often associated with riches and honor, symbolizing a wish for a prosperous life.
- Romance: The lush, full blooms of the Peony make it a symbol of romantic love, often used in weddings to represent a happy marriage.
- Beauty: With its attractive flowers, the Peony also represents beauty in all forms, celebrating physical and inner grace.
- Compassion: Sometimes, Peonies are used to express compassion or empathy towards others, resonating with the nurturing aspect of the human spirit.
- Good Fortune: The Peony is considered a good luck charm, bringing good fortune and a happy life to the person who receives it.
WaterFor the peony 'Laura Dessert', it's crucial to water deeply to encourage root development but to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Generally, a mature peony plant needs about an inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. To avoid fungal diseases, water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage. In the absence of rain, you may use about 0.62 gallons (80 ounces) of water per plant per week during the growing season, reducing frequency after they bloom and as they go dormant.
LightPeonies such as 'Laura Dessert' thrive best in full sun, where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade can also be suitable but may result in fewer blooms. Avoid planting in deep shade, as this will significantly reduce flowering and can lead to weak stems and poor plant health.
TemperaturePeonies like 'Laura Dessert' prefer temperate climates and are quite cold hardy, tolerating winter temperatures as low as -20 to -30°F. They need a period of winter chill to undergo proper dormancy and produce blooms in the spring. The ideal temperature range for growth and flowering is between 65°F and 75°F during the growing season. They can tolerate summer heat if provided with adequate moisture but may go dormant in areas where summers are excessively hot and dry.
PruningPrune peonies like 'Laura Dessert' to remove spent blooms after flowering, which conserves the plant's energy and can encourage more vigorous growth the following season. In fall, after the foliage has died back, cut the stems down to about 3 inches from the ground to prevent overwintering diseases. Pruning is not typically needed during the growing season unless it is to remove damaged or diseased foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Peony 'Laura Dessert' is well-draining loam enriched with compost. This mix retains moisture while providing good aeration. The ideal soil pH should be around 6.5 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingPeonies such as 'Laura Dessert' rarely need repotting; they can thrive in the same spot for years. Generally, repotting may be considered every 10-15 years, unless there are issues with the soil condition or plant health.
Humidity & MistingPeony 'Laura Dessert' prefers average humidity conditions; it does not require special humidity adjustments. Outdoor ambient humidity typical of temperate climates is suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Insufficient space. Peony 'Laura Dessert' isn't suitable for indoors.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained loam, space for spread, add mulch.
Hardiness zone
Peony 'Laura Dessert' is suitable for USDA zones 3-8.
Life cycleThe 'Laura Dessert' peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Laura Dessert') begins its life as a dormant tuberous root, typically planted in the fall. In spring, the roots sprout and develop into stems with large, deeply lobed leaves, followed by flower buds forming as temperatures increase. The buds bloom into fragrant, large, bowl-shaped flowers, usually in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, storing energy in the roots for the next season. As fall approaches, the foliage begins to yellow and die back with the onset of colder weather, after which the plant enters a period of dormancy. The cycle repeats the following spring, with the plant gradually growing larger and producing more blooms as it matures over the years.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The Paeonia lactiflora 'Laura Dessert', commonly known as Chinese peony or peony 'Laura Dessert', is best propagated through division, which is the separation of a mature plant into smaller segments that can be grown independently. This method is particularly popular for its reliability and the propagation of true-to-type plants. The ideal time to divide peonies is in the fall, after the plant has gone dormant, typically from late September to October. To propagate, carefully dig up the peony plant, being mindful of the root system. Wash the soil off the roots and use a sharp knife to cut the tuber into sections, ensuring each section has at least three to five eyes, which are the growth nodes. Replant the divisions about 2 feet apart and at a depth where the eyes are just an inch (2.54 centimeters) or so below the soil surface. This ensures the plant will establish itself over the winter and burst into growth come spring.
