Peony Paeonia lactiflora 'Victoire de la Marne'
ABOUT
The Paeonia lactiflora 'Victoire de la Marne' is a stunning peony variety known for its eye-catching blooms. The flowers are a rich, deep pink color, boasting a multitude of layered, ruffled petals that create a full, rounded appearance. At the center, these petals sometimes fade to a paler pink or white, with a few yellow stamens peeking out for a touch of contrast. The blossoms exude a delightful fragrance that is both sweet and subtle, adding to the ornamental appeal of the plant. The foliage of 'Victoire de la Marne' is an attractive green, with leaves that are glossy and divided into several leaflets. The leaves provide a lush backdrop for the flowers, and the contrast enhances the impact of the rich pink petals. The overall presentation of the peony is one of opulence and romance, often evoking the feeling of a classic English garden. This peony variety makes a fantastic showpiece in floral arrangements and garden borders, beloved for its showy blooms and pleasant scent.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paeoniaceae.
Synonyms
Chinese Peony, Common Garden Peony, White Peony.
Common names
Paeonia lactiflora 'Victoire de la Marne'.
ToxicityTo humans
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Victoire de la Marne') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, peonies contain compounds that can be mildly toxic when ingested in large amounts. The symptoms of peony poisoning can include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, skin contact with peony can cause an allergic dermatitis reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Victoire de la Marne') can be mildly toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats, if ingested. The plant contains a compound known as paeonol, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if consumed in large enough quantities. In severe cases, ingesting peony might lead to depression or lethargy in pets, but such extreme reactions are rare.
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 'Victoire de la Marne', commonly known as the Chinese Peony, adds visual interest to gardens with its large, showy flowers that bloom in spring.
- Garden design versatility: Chinese Peonies are suitable for a variety of garden styles including borders, cottage gardens, and formal plantings.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers provide a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial, the Chinese Peony returns year after year, reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Seasonal interest: Their foliage provides a green backdrop throughout the growing season, and some varieties offer attractive fall colors.
- Low maintenance: Once established, the Chinese Peony requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and fertilizing.
- Cut flower use: The blooms are long-lasting when cut, making them excellent choices for floral arrangements.
- Cold hardiness: Chinese Peonies are resilient in cold climates and can withstand harsh winters in many regions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The attractive blooms of the peony may inspire artists and photographers to use them as subjects for paintings, drawings, or photographic art pieces.
- Fragrance extraction: The scent of peonies can be extracted and used in the creation of perfumes, scented candles, or aromatherapy oils.
- Cut flower arrangements: Due to their large, lush blooms, peonies are popular as the focal point in bouquets and floral designs for weddings and other special events.
- Garden aesthetics: Peonies can serve as an ornamental centerpiece in garden design, contributing to the overall beauty and aesthetic appeal of a landscape.
- Educational tool: Horticulture students and botanists may study peonies to learn about plant breeding, growth habits, and pest resistance.
- Symbolism: Peonies are often utilized for their symbolic meaning in various cultures, representing good fortune, honor, and prosperity, which can be incorporated into cultural celebrations or ceremonies.
- Culinary exploration: Though not commonly known for its culinary uses, peony petals are edible and can be used as a unique, decorative garnish for desserts and drinks.
- Fabric dyeing: Historically, natural dyes made from plant materials, including peony petals, could be used to color fabrics and textiles.
- Bioindicator: Peonies might be studied for their response to environmental changes, acting as bioindicators that signal soil health and local ecosystem conditions.
- Seasonal celebrations: Peonies with their springtime blossoming can be a principal plant for seasonal festivals and garden tours that celebrate spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Peony is commonly associated with prosperity and romance in Feng Shui, making it auspicious for attracting love and abundance when placed in the relationship sector of a home or garden, typically the southwest area of the space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Peony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: Paeonia lactiflora is commonly known as the peony, and it is often associated with wealth and good fortune, making it a popular choice for celebrations and well-wishing.
- Romance: Peonies are also symbolic of romance and love, often used in wedding bouquets and romantic gestures for their lush, full blooms.
- Beauty: With its showy petals, the peony represents the idea of beauty in all forms, suggesting that there's beauty in being bold and standing out.
- Honor: The peony carries a connotation of honor and high esteem, particularly in Eastern cultures, where it is highly valued.
- Compassion: The softness of the peony's petals can represent compassion and a gentle heart, symbolizing empathy and kindness.
- Good Luck: Giving peonies is considered a gesture of wishing someone good luck, with the blossoms thought to bring positive energies.
WaterWhen caring for peonies, they should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 0.5 to 1 inch of water each time, which equates to roughly 0.5 gallons for a small to medium-sized plant. During hot and dry spells, watering frequency may need to increase, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Once established, peonies are somewhat drought-tolerant, but consistent watering is key to lush growth and vibrant blooms.
LightPeonies, including 'Victoire de la Marne,' thrive in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can reduce the number of blooms. The ideal spot for a peony is an area that gets early morning sun, which helps dry the dew on the leaves, thereby reducing the risk of disease.
TemperaturePeonies prefer a temperate climate with winter temperatures descending to at least 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit to satisfy their chilling requirement for bud formation. They can tolerate temperatures up to 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. However, they perform best when the temperature ranges between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can harm the plant.
PruningPeonies should be pruned to remove spent blooms after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed formation, which can sap energy from the plant. In late fall, cut back the foliage to the ground after the first frost to help prevent overwintering diseases. Every few years, peonies may require thinning to allow air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Peony 'Victoire de la Marne' should be well-draining with a good amount of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Mixing in some sand or perlite can improve drainage. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, for optimal growth.
RepottingPeony 'Victoire de la Marne' plants are not typically grown in containers as they have deep root systems and are perennial in the garden, thus they do not require repotting. Peonies are best left undisturbed for years once planted in the ground.
Humidity & MistingPeony 'Victoire de la Marne' thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements and can tolerate the natural humidity of most temperate climates. Avoiding excessive humidity around the foliage is key to preventing fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Generally, Peony 'Victoire de la Marne' is not suitable for indoor cultivation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePaeonia lactiflora 'Victoire de la Marne', commonly known as the Chinese peony, begins its life cycle as a dormant tuberous root system, which breaks dormancy as temperatures increase in spring. The root sprouts and develops into a herbaceous perennial, with stems and foliage emerging from the ground. Over the spring months, the plant forms buds that blossom into large, fragrant flowers typically in late spring or early summer, depending on the climate. After flowering, the plant sets seed in the form of a capsule if pollination occurs. As summer progresses, the foliage provides photosynthetic energy for the plant to store nutrients back into the root system. In fall, the foliage begins to yellow and die back, and the plant enters dormancy again, retreating to its root state to survive the winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Paeonia lactiflora 'Victoire de la Marne', commonly known as the Chinese peony, can be ergonomically propagated in the late fall as the plant goes dormant. The most popular method for propagating Chinese peonies is through root division. This involves carefully digging up the peony plant, ideally one that has been established for at least three to four years, and gently shaking off the dirt to reveal the root structure. The roots should be divided by making clean cuts with a sharp knife to ensure each section has at least three to five eyes, buds from which new shoots will grow. Divisions should be replanted promptly at a depth where the eyes are about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) below the soil surface, spaced approximately 3 feet (about 91 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Proper watering post-planting is crucial for establishing the new divisions.
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