Peony Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple'
ABOUT
Shirley Temple is a variety of the peony, celebrated for its beautiful and enchanting blooms. Characterized by its large, double flowers, this plant typically showcases blossoms that are a soft shade of blush pink when they first open. As the flowers mature, they gradually lighten to a creamy white. The fragrant blooms possess a fluffy and full appearance, thanks to the multiple layers of ruffled petals that evoke a sense of delicate luxury. At the center of each flower, a group of small, golden-yellow stamens creates a striking contrast, adding depth and an extra touch of elegance to the overall look of the plant. The foliage presents a lush backdrop for the flowers; dark green leaves that are glossy and deeply lobed contribute to the plant's rich, ornamental texture. As a perennial, it reliably returns each year to grace gardens with its impressive floral display in the late spring to early summer season. The Shirley Temple peony adds a classic charm to garden beds, borders, and serves as an exquisite choice for cut flower arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paeoniaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Peony, White Peony, Shirley Temple Peony
Common names
Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple'.
ToxicityTo humans
Peony is not considered highly toxic to humans. While it is generally advisable not to eat ornamental plants, ingestion of peonies typically does not lead to severe poisoning. However, in some individuals, consuming parts of the plant can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Skin contact with the sap may also cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. If ingestion occurs and symptoms are severe or concerning, it is important to seek medical attention.
To pets
Peony is considered mildly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet were to ingest a part of the plant, they could experience mild signs of gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Generally, the symptoms are not severe, but if a pet consumes a large amount of the plant or exhibits significant distress, it is important to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple' features large, double flowers that range in color from soft blush to white, providing visual appeal during the blooming season.
- Long Bloom Period: Peonies, including this variety, have a relatively long flowering period in late spring to early summer, offering extended beauty in the garden.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance, adding an olfactory dimension to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in mixed borders, as a focal plant, or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect.
- Attracts Pollinators: Peonies attract bees and other beneficial pollinators which are important for garden health and biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, they are low maintenance, requiring minimal care apart from deadheading and occasional feeding.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is cold hardy and can survive harsh winters, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they demonstrate some drought tolerance, making them relatively resilient during dry periods.
- Long-lived: With proper care, peony plants can live for many years, even decades, and often become more floriferous with age.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in peony, such as paeoniflorin, may have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Immunomodulatory: Peony root extracts might influence the immune system, potentially beneficial for immune-related disorders.
- Antioxidant: Some constituents of peony may have antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from damage.
- Anxiolytic: Extracts of peony may exhibit anxiolytic effects, which could help reduce anxiety.
- Neuroprotective: There is some indication that peony extracts might have a protective effect on the nervous system.
- Antispasmodic: Traditional use suggests that peony may help relieve muscle spasms.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Perfumery: Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple's fragrant blooms are used in the making of luxury perfumes, offering a sweet and fresh floral scent.
- Botanical Art: Artists often use peonies as subjects for paintings, drawings, and photographs due to their aesthetic appeal and complex structure.
- Wedding Decor: Peonies, with their lush, full, and romantic flowers, are popular choices for bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony decorations.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals of peonies can be used to add a splash of color and elegance to salads and desserts when used as a non-toxic garnish.
- Textile Design: The iconic shape and texture of the peony flower are frequently used in textile designs for fabrics, wallpapers, and other decorative materials.
- Eco-printing: Fresh peony petals and leaves can be used in eco-printing, a process of transferring natural pigments onto fabric or paper for unique, botanical designs.
- Crafting: Dried peony petals and leaves can be incorporated into various crafts, like homemade soaps, candles, or potpourri mixtures.
- Dyeing Fabric: The deep pink color of peony petals can be used as a natural dye for textiles, yielding soft hues of pink and red on fabrics.
- Cultural Festivals: Peonies have cultural significance in several countries and are used in events and festivals to symbolize prosperity and honor traditions.
- Photography Props: The peony’s beauty and size make it an excellent prop for professional photographers, particularly in spring-themed shoots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe peony is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe peony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: The peony, in general, is often associated with wealth and honor, symbolizing a wish for a prosperous life.
- Romance: With its lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and are often used in wedding bouquets to represent a happy marriage.
- Beauty in all forms: The 'Shirley Temple' peony, with its delicate appearance, represents the idea of beauty encompassing both the physical and inner grace.
- Compassion: Some traditions believe the peony represents compassion, likely stemming from its full and generous bloom.
- Good Fortune: Peonies are also associated with good luck, making them a popular gift, especially in the context of new beginnings and ventures.
- Happiness and Health: The peony can symbolize a wish for a person's happiness and good health, which is why it's often found in get-well-soon arrangements.
WaterPeonies like 'Shirley Temple' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During the growing season, especially if the weather is dry, you may need to increase the frequency to maintain evenly moist soil. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, and instead use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant. In periods of drought, additional water may be necessary, but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot. Each plant typically requires between 0.5 to 1 gallon of water per week, depending on soil conditions and climate.
LightPeonies like 'Shirley Temple' perform best in full sun to light shade conditions. The ideal spot for planting is where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in regions with very hot summers, they will appreciate some afternoon shade to protect them from the harshest rays.
Temperature'Shirley Temple' peonies thrive in temperatures that range from about 65°F to 75°F, which are ideal for robust growth. They can withstand winter chill down to -20°F and summer heat up to 90°F, but prolonged temperatures outside this range can inhibit flowering or damage the plant.
Pruning'Shirley Temple' peonies should be pruned to remove spent flowers after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and promote plant health. Cut back the foliage to ground level in the fall after the first frost to help prevent disease. Prune any damaged or diseased stems throughout the growing season to keep the plant strong and healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPeony 'Shirley Temple' thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal to provide the necessary nutrients and drainage. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
RepottingPeonies like 'Shirley Temple' rarely need repotting and prefer not to be disturbed. Typically, they can remain in the same location without repotting for many years as long as the soil is fertile and well-drained.
Humidity & MistingPeonies such as 'Shirley Temple' are tolerant to a range of humidity levels and do not require a specific humidity to thrive. They grow well in the average humidity found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; peonies require chilling period.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, with well-drained soil and space for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple', commonly known as the Peony 'Shirley Temple', begins its life as a seed that germinates under favorable conditions of temperature and moisture. It then develops a root system and a shoot that emerges above the soil surface. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of deeply lobed leaves and erect stems that support the buds. In late spring to early summer, the buds blossom into large, fragrant double flowers that are usually pink or white and can change color as they mature. After blooming, the plant sets seed in the form of seed pods if pollination has occurred. In autumn, the foliage dies back and the peony enters a period of dormancy over the winter months, storing energy in its underground tuberous roots for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
For the common peony, scientifically known as Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple', the most popular method of propagation is by division. The best time to divide peonies is in the fall, after the plants have gone dormant, which typically occurs from late September to October. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the entire plant, then gently shake or wash off the soil to reveal the root structure. Using a sharp, clean knife, divide the root clump into sections, ensuring each section has at least three to five eyes, which are the small reddish buds from which new stems will grow. These divisions should then be replanted promptly, positioning the eyes around 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) below the surface of the soil. Spacing new divisions about 3 feet (0.91 meters) apart allows enough space for them to grow to their full size and prevents overcrowding. Properly divided and planted, peonies can thrive and bloom the following spring.
