Sarah Bernhardt
A classic double pink peony with large, scented blooms and a reliable garden habit.
When to plant Peonies in Birmingham
Paeonia spp.
Hardy perennial for a sheltered UK border in fertile, free-draining soil. Plant crowns shallowly, keep the site undisturbed, and expect the best flowering once plants have settled in for a few years.
90 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Birmingham · average last frost around 27 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Plant Crowns Shallowly
15 Sept to 13 NovPlant bare-root crowns around 15th September - 13th November in fertile, free-draining soil. Set the buds no more than below the surface. Space plants apart. Choose a permanent spot. Do not move them. Deeper planting is why they fail to flower.
02
Water In and Establish
15 Sept to 10 Aug 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWater well after planting, then keep the soil moist through the first growing season, from 15th September to 10th August 2027. Water at the base in dry spells. Do not leave the soil soggy. Established plants do not need routine watering.
03
Support Heavy Stems
28 Mar to 18 May 2027From 28th March 2027, put hoops or canes in before the stems reach . It is easier than propping up a full plant later. Leave the supports in through flowering.
04
Deadhead Spent Blooms
18 May to 11 Jul 2027Deadhead fading blooms from 18th May 2027 to 11th July 2027. Cut each spent flower back to a strong leaf. Leave the foliage in place to feed the root.
05
Cut Back Herbaceous Growth
16 Oct to 13 Nov 2027Cut the stems down only once the tops have yellowed and died, during 16th October - 13th November 2027. Clear old stems and fallen leaves to reduce peony wilt.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Peony to consider
Bowl of Beauty
An anemone-flowered type with pink outer petals and a creamy centre, often good for cutting.
Duchesse de Nemours
A well-known white double peony with strong stems and a good scent.
Karl Rosenfield
A deep red double peony that flowers well in a sunny border.
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