Peony Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Parfait'
ABOUT
The 'Pink Parfait' peony is a showy and elegant flowering plant known for its mesmerizing, large double blooms. Each flower is a luxurious bundle of ruffled petals, creating a lush, full appearance. The petals are adorned in a soft, pink hue that can range from pastel to a more pronounced, bubblegum pink as the flowers mature. Delicate light pink outer petals often embrace the denser inner petals, which may exhibit a gradient of pink shades. The center of each flower sometimes may reveal hints of creamy white or pale yellow, adding depth and contrast to the bloom. These flowers emit a delicate and inviting fragrance, which only adds to their irresistible charm. The foliage of 'Pink Parfait' peony consists of deep green, glossy leaves that provide a striking backdrop to the voluminous and opulent flowers, creating a romantic and classic silhouette that is favored in gardens and floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paeoniaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Peony, Pink Parfait Peony
Common names
Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Parfait'.
ToxicityTo humans
Peony, specifically the cultivar Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Parfait', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, peonies do contain compounds like paeonol that can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities. Ingesting parts of the plant might lead to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. Handling the plant might also cause skin irritation in some sensitive individuals.
To pets
Peony, including the Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Parfait', may be toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests peonies, it could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset manifesting as vomiting or diarrhea. While peonies are not considered highly toxic, it is generally recommended to keep pets from consuming the plant to avoid these possible symptoms.
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 'Pink Parfait' adds a visually striking element to gardens with its double-layered, deep pink blossoms.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of your garden ecosystem.
- Longevity: As a perennial, the Pink Parfait peony comes back year after year when planted in appropriate conditions, providing lasting beauty.
- Fragrance: The blooms emit a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or floral arrangement.
- Cut Flower Use: The sturdy stems and full blooms make excellent cut flowers that hold up well in bouquets and floral displays.
- Seasonal Interest: Peonies bloom in late spring to early summer, offering a seasonal spectacle when many other plants have yet to peak.
- Garden Versatility: Pink Parfait peonies can be used in a range of settings, including borders, flower beds, and as a backdrop for shorter plants.
- Easy to Care For: Once established, peonies are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond watering and occasional fertilization.
- Drought Tolerance: Peonies are drought tolerant once established, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Deer Resistance: Peonies are typically resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Peony petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabric, giving it a soft pink hue depending on the concentration of petals used.
- Peony blooms can be crystallized with sugar and used as elegant, edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Pressed peony flowers create lovely additions to handmade paper, providing texture and visual interest.
- Despite being excluded from medical uses, peonies are historically symbols of healing and sometimes used as motifs in spas for their aesthetic and symbolic value.
- These flowers can serve as inspiration for perfume scents, with their lush fragrance being replicated in various women's fragrances.
- Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Parfait' is utilized in floral art and Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, for their full blossoms and strong stems.
- Peony petals can be frozen in ice cubes to add a touch of floral elegance to drinks at special events.
- The flowers are used in photography and floral workshops, teaching students how to capture the beauty of the blooms and arrange them artistically.
- In literature and poetry, peonies often symbolize romance, prosperity, and bashfulness, providing rich imagery in written works.
- The peony's large, showy flowers make an excellent motif for designers in fashion and home decor, influencing patterns on textiles and wallpapers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Peony is considered a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and feminine beauty in Feng Shui, and using the 'Pink Parfait' variety can bring the same positive energies into the home. It's recommended to place Peonies in the love and marriage area of your space, which is typically the southwest corner of your home or garden, to enhance romance and affection.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Peony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Honor: The peony is often considered a symbol of honor and is associated with respect and appreciation, making it a popular choice for celebratory occasions.
- Prosperity: In many cultures, peonies signify wealth and prosperity due to their lush, full blooms and are often used in festive events such as weddings.
- Romance: The soft, large petals of the 'Pink Parfait' peony are reminiscent of romantic gestures, and the flower is commonly associated with love and affection.
- Beauty: Peonies, with their sumptuous and layered petals, epitomize physical and idealized beauty, making them a symbol of aesthetic appreciation.
- Compassion: The peony's gentle appearance can be seen as a representation of compassion, and they are sometimes given to convey sympathy and understanding.
WaterThe common peony, specifically 'Pink Parfait,' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot weather or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, especially when the plant is blooming or if it's planted in well-draining soil which dries out faster. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. A good rule of thumb is to provide about one inch of water per week, which can translate to roughly 0.5 gallons for each watering session for a mature plant.
LightPeonies like 'Pink Parfait' thrive in full sun conditions, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can reduce blooming. The best spot for your peony is a location where it receives uninterrupted morning sunlight, which helps dry the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
TemperaturePeonies, including 'Pink Parfait,' grow best in temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 65°F and 75°F during the growing season. They require a period of winter chill to set buds, so they can survive temperatures well below freezing, sometimes as low as -20°F. Nonetheless, the roots should be protected from extreme cold with a layer of mulch.
PruningPruning peonies like 'Pink Parfait' is mainly done to remove spent flowers and to shape the plant. Deadhead the peony after blooming to prevent seed development, which can sap energy from the plant. In fall, once the foliage has died back, cut the stems down to about 3 inches above ground level to prepare the plant for winter and help prevent disease. Prune no more than once a year for the health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPeonies like 'Pink Parfait' prefer well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal. A mix with two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand will provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
Repotting'Pink Parfait' peonies do not need frequent repotting and can thrive for many years without being disturbed. They are typically repotted or divided every 10 to 15 years, usually when the clump becomes too large or flowering diminishes.
Humidity & MistingPeonies like 'Pink Parfait' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. Average outdoor humidity is generally sufficient for these hardy perennials.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Pink Parfait' peony in a cool room with bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant 'Pink Parfait' in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Parfait', commonly known as Chinese peony 'Pink Parfait', begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in soil and germinate, typically during the fall or winter when temperatures are cool. Once the seedlings emerge and develop true leaves, they enter a vegetative growth phase, forming a clump of deeply lobed leaves. As the plant matures, it enters a perennial growth cycle, dying back to the ground in winter and re-emerging in spring. 'Pink Parfait' reaches a flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing large, double, pink flowers with a sweet fragrance. After blooming, seed pods may form if flowers have been pollinated, eventually drying and releasing seeds to start a new generation. The plant then goes dormant in the late fall as temperatures drop, storing energy in its underground tuberous roots for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Paeonia lactiflora 'Pink Parfait', commonly known as the Chinese peony or common garden peony, is typically propagated through root division. The best time to carry out this method is in the fall when the plant has died back, ensuring that the plant has time to establish itself before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, the plant should be dug up carefully to minimize root damage, and the roots should be gently cleaned of soil. Using a sharp knife or garden spade, the root clump is divided into sections, each with at least three to five eyes, which are potential growth points for new shoots. These sections are then replanted immediately at a depth where the eyes are about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) below the soil surface, spaced about 2 to 3 feet (approximately 60 to 90 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth space. Adequate watering and avoidance of direct summer sunlight are important until the new plantings become established.
