Peony Paeonia lactiflora 'Raspberry Sundae'
ABOUT
The 'Raspberry Sundae' peony is known for its distinctive and extravagant blooms. The flowers are large, with a captivating blend of colors reminiscent of a raspberry sundae dessert. The outer petals are usually a creamy white or pale pink, providing a soft backdrop for the fluffy, full center. The inner petals are a bold mix of pink and raspberry red, often appearing as if they have been generously dabbed with dollops of berry-colored cream. These blossoms exude an old-fashioned charm, with the layers of petals unfurling to create a rounded, almost ball-like shape. Each petal has a soft, velvety texture which adds to the luxurious look of the flower. The overall effect is one of opulence and richness, making the 'Raspberry Sundae' a visually striking addition to any garden. The foliage of the plant is deep green with a lustrous sheen, acting as an elegant contrast to the vivid flowers. The leaves are divided into leaflets, which are arranged in a somewhat symmetrical fashion that complements the overall aesthetic of the plant. The stems are sturdy, ensuring the heavy blooms are well supported. In terms of fragrance, the 'Raspberry Sundae' peony is just as delightful, emitting a sweet and intoxicating scent that can be noticed from a distance, inviting visitors closer to admire the flowers and bask in their aroma. This combination of visual appeal and fragrance makes the 'Raspberry Sundae' peony a cherished selection for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Raspberry Sundae Peony, Chinese Peony
Common names
Paeonia lactiflora.
ToxicityTo humans
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Raspberry Sundae') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, sensitive individuals may experience an allergic reaction if they handle the plant and then touch their face or mouth. Ingesting parts of peonies in large amounts could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always advisable to refrain from consuming parts of ornamental plants due to possible individual reactions or unknown compounds that could be hazardous to human health.
To pets
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Raspberry Sundae') is considered mildly toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of a peony, it might exhibit symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested a peony and is showing symptoms, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herbaceous
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Paeonia lactiflora 'Raspberry Sundae', commonly known as Peony, offers striking and voluminous blooms that resemble scoops of ice cream with colors ranging from creamy white to pink, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Peonies attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants, contributing to a healthy and vibrant ecosystem.
- Fragrance: The flowers of the Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' emit a delightful fragrance that can create a pleasant, aromatic environment in any outdoor or indoor space where the cut flowers are placed.
- Longevity: Peonies are known for their longevity, both as plants in the garden, where they can live and bloom for decades, and as cut flowers, with their blooms lasting longer than many other flowers when in a vase.
- Seasonal Interest: Peonies provide seasonal interest in spring and early summer, marking the transition from spring to summer with their lush blooms.
- Garden Structure: With their upright growth habit and large, bushy foliage, Peonies can contribute to the structure and form of a garden design.
- Low Maintenance: Peonies are relatively low maintenance once established, requiring minimal care beyond annual pruning and occasional feeding.
- Versatility: Peonies can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, beds, and as specimen plants, and can also be grown in large containers with adequate care and space.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: The root of peony is traditionally used in herbal medicine to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic: Peony may possess pain-relieving properties.
- Antispasmodic: It has been used to ease muscle cramps and spasms.
- Immunomodulatory: Components in peony may help regulate the immune system.
- Nervine: It may help calm the nerves and is sometimes used for its soothing effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The unique appearance of Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' with its ice-cream-like pink and cream flowers makes it a favorite subject for photographers interested in flora and still life imagery.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists often use the dramatic blooms of the Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' to inspire paintings, textile designs, and other creative works.
- Cake Decorating: Real or sugarcrafted Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' flowers are used by bakers to decorate wedding cakes and other elegant desserts due to their lush and full appearance.
- Garden Themes: These peonies are sometimes specifically chosen to create a certain theme in a garden, like a "sundae" or candy-themed space, appealing to children and adults alike.
- Color Palettes: Designers use the blend of colors in Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' blossoms as inspiration for interior design, fashion, and wedding color schemes.
- Symbolism: The Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' can symbolize romance and prosperity, making it a popular choice for bouquets and decorations at weddings and other celebrations.
- Fragrance Profile: The scent of Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' is used as inspiration for perfumes and scented candles, though not extracted from the plant itself.
- Educational Model: The structure of the Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' is sometimes used in horticultural education to teach about the growth patterns and characteristics of herbaceous flowering plants.
- Botanical Illustration: Illustrators specializing in botanical imagery often choose the Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' for its complexity and color for inclusion in educational materials or artistic collections.
- Floral Language and Communication: Peony 'Raspberry Sundae' flowers are used to convey messages in the traditional floral language, where they can represent different sentiments depending on context.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPeonies are used in Feng Shui to foster romance, prosperity, and good fortune. They are particularly associated with love and are often recommended for the southwest corner of a garden or home to enhance relationships.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPeonies are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: Traditionally, peonies are associated with wealth and good fortune, making them a popular choice for celebrations and weddings.
- Romance and Love: The lush, full blooms of peonies symbolize romance and are often used to convey affection and love in various cultures.
- Beauty in all Forms: Peonies, with their rich and fluffy blossoms, represent the idea that beauty can be found in all forms, illustrating the diversity of beauty.
- Compassion and Bashfulness: Deriving from a myth of the Greek gods, peonies can symbolize compassion. They also represent bashfulness, associated with the notion that nymphs would hide in their petals.
- Good Luck and Happiness: Peonies are often seen as a good omen, signifying happiness and good luck, particularly in the context of a happy marriage or relationship.
- Honor and High Value: The rarity and the historically high value of peonies, alongside their use in imperial gardens, have led them to be symbolic of honor and nobility.
- Healing: In traditional medicine, peonies have been used to heal various ailments, and thus have come to symbolize healing and good health.
WaterPeonies require thorough watering every 10 to 14 days, bringing the soil to a good level of moisture. For the 'Raspberry Sundae' Peony, it's essential to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. A good practice is to provide about 1 inch of water which, for an average-sized garden, translates to roughly 0.62 gallons per square foot. During dry spells in the growing season, monitoring the soil is critical—when the top inch feels dry, it's time to water. Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can promote fungal diseases, and try to water in the morning to allow any moisture on the leaves to evaporate throughout the day.
LightPeonies like 'Raspberry Sundae' thrive in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but may produce fewer flowers. The ideal spot for 'Raspberry Sundae' Peony would be an area with clear, unfiltered light for most of the day, possibly with some afternoon shade in very hot regions.
TemperaturePeonies, including the 'Raspberry Sundae' variety, prefer temperate climates and do well in a range of temperatures, typically from 65°F to 75°F. They can survive a brief frost and are hardy down to about -20°F. Ideally, during the growing season, maintaining a stable environment without extreme heat, often between 60°F and 70°F, encourages optimal growth and flowering.
Pruning'Raspberry Sundae' Peonies should be pruned to remove spent flowers after blooming to preserve energy for growth and to maintain a tidy appearance. In the fall, after the first frost, cut back the foliage to the ground to help prevent disease the following season. Pruning in the spring isn't typically necessary beyond removing any dead or damaged wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPeony 'Raspberry Sundae' thrives in a well-draining, rich loamy soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix with compost, garden soil, and perlite or peat moss can provide the structure and nutrients needed for optimal growth.
RepottingPeonies including 'Raspberry Sundae' rarely need repotting and can stay in the same location for many years; they generally do not respond well to being moved frequently.
Humidity & MistingPeony 'Raspberry Sundae' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require special humidity conditions to grow successfully.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and avoid dry heat.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, fertile soil, and ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Paeonia lactiflora 'Raspberry Sundae' is Peony 'Raspberry Sundae'. The life cycle begins with seed germination, occurring in late winter or early spring, when temperatures rise and daylight increases, triggering the awakening of the dormant seed. Following germination, the young seedling establishes itself, developing a root system and foliage through the spring. As it matures, the peony enters a vegetative stage, where it grows stems and leaves, storing energy in its tuberous root system. Flower buds emerge in late spring, leading to the bloom period in late spring to early summer, revealing the distinctive large, often fragrant flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed if pollination occurs, then enters a period of senescence in late summer to early fall, with leaves yellowing and dying back as the plant retreats into dormancy for the winter months.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most favored method for propagating the Paeonia lactiflora 'Raspberry Sundae', commonly known as the Peony, is through root division. This practice is best carried out in the fall, after the plant has gone dormant and the foliage has died back. To propagate by division, you carefully dig up the entire plant, gently shake off the soil and rinse the roots if necessary to get a clear view of the root structure. Using a sharp knife or garden spades, you slice the root mass into pieces, ensuring that each section has at least three to five healthy eyes (the buds from which new shoots will grow). Divided clumps can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing previously, with the eyes approximately 1-2 inches below the ground surface, or 2.5-5 centimeters. It is important to water these new divisions thoroughly and ensure they are well-mulched before the onset of winter.
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