Paeonia lactiflora ‘Alexander Fleming’ is a striking herbaceous peony prized for its lush, fragrant blooms and elegant presence in the garden. This classic variety, named after the famed scientist who discovered penicillin, produces large, fully double flowers in a rich shade of pink, often with delicate hints of deeper rose at the petal edges. Blooming in late spring to early summer, its opulent blossoms are densely packed with ruffled petals, creating a luxurious, almost rose-like appearance. The strong, sweet fragrance makes it a favourite for cut flower arrangements, where its beauty and scent can be enjoyed indoors.
Highly valued for its reliability and vigour, Peony ‘Alexander Fleming’ thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, rewarding gardeners with years of breathtaking floral displays. Its deep green, divided foliage provides an attractive backdrop throughout the growing season, turning golden in autumn for added ornamental interest. Resistant to deer and relatively low-maintenance once established, this perennial is a perfect choice for cottage gardens, borders, and mixed flower beds. Whether used as a focal point or mass-planted for an eye-catching effect, Peony ‘Alexander Fleming’ is a timeless addition to any garden.
- Appearance:
- A double, bomb-shaped flower with large, rose-like blooms (15–20 cm diameter).
- Petals are pink-lilac with corrugated edges, two shades darker than the classic Sarah Bernhardt peony.
- Dark green, decorative foliage that remains attractive even when not in bloom.
- Fragrance:
- Known for its intense, sweet floral scent, often compared to damask roses.
- Peony Growth & Care:
- Height: 80–90 cm.
- Hardiness: Winter-hardy perennial, thriving in USDA zones 3–8.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun or light shade.
- Soil: Well-drained loam; avoid waterlogged or overly acidic soils. Add sand, peat, or compost as needed.
- Planting Time: Best planted in late August–September to avoid damaging early spring buds.
- Blooming & Use:
- Flowering Period: Late May–early June (2–3 weeks).
- Vase Life: Long-lasting cut flower with strong stems, ideal for bouquets. Combines beautifully with Sarah Bernhardt for colour contrast48.
- Historical Background:
- Bred in 1950 by Dutch grower Blonk as a cross between Sarah Bernhardt and Bunker Hill.
- Named after Sir Alexander Fleming, the Scottish microbiologist who discovered penicillin26.
Unlocking the Beauty of Peonies: A Gardener’s Guide to Maximizing Blooms
Peonies, with their lush blooms and intoxicating fragrance, are garden classics that can thrive for decades with proper care. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener, these tips will help you cultivate healthy, vibrant peonies that become the star of your garden.
How to get the most out of your Peony ‘Alexander Fleming’
1. Peony Planting for Success
- Location Matters: Choose a sunny spot (6–8 hours of sunlight daily) with well-draining soil. Peonies tolerate partial shade but bloom best with ample light.
- Soil Prep: Enrich soil with compost or aged manure. Aim for slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5–7.0). Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot.
- Timing & Depth:
- Plant in Autumn: Ideal for establishing roots before winter.
- Herbaceous Peonies: Position buds (eyes) 1.5–2 inches deep. Too deep = no blooms!
- Tree Peonies: Plant graft union 4–6 inches below soil.
- Intersectional Hybrids: Plant each Peony 2 inches deep.
- Spacing: Allow 3–4 feet between plants for airflow and growth.
2. Nurturing Your Peonies
- Water Wisely: Water deeply once a week; avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Mulch Mindfully: Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., bark, straw) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from stems.
- Feed Strategically:
- Early Spring: Use low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) as shoots emerge.
- Post-Bloom: Apply balanced fertilizer to strengthen roots.
- Support Stems: Use peony rings or stakes to prevent heavy blooms from flopping.
3. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Pests & Diseases:
- Botrytis Blight: Remove affected foliage; improve air circulation.
- Ants: Harmless! They’re attracted to nectar and don’t harm blooms.
- No Blooms? Causes include deep planting, insufficient sun, or young plants (may take 2–3 years to flower).
- Dividing: Only necessary if overcrowded. Dig up in Autumn, split roots with 3–5 eyes, and replant.
4. Seasonal Care
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms from each Peony to redirect energy, but leave foliage intact for photosynthesis.
- Autumn Clean-up: Cut herbaceous peonies to ground level after frost; tree peonies need only light pruning.
- Winter Protection: In zones below 3, mulch after the first freeze to insulate roots.
5. Design Tips for Garden Impact
- Layering Blooms: Pair with early spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils) and late-summer perennials (phlox, asters) for season-long colour.
- Companion Plants: Try catmint, salvias, or alliums for contrast in texture and height.
- Cut Flowers: Harvest Peony buds when soft as marshmallows. Cut in the morning, sear stem ends in hot water for 10 seconds to prolong vase life.
6. Embracing Patience and Longevity
Peonies are a long-term investment. They may take time to establish, but once settled, they thrive with minimal fuss. Tree peonies can live over 100 years!
Final Thought: With their timeless elegance and resilience, peonies reward gardeners who prioritize the right planting depth, sunlight, and care. Whether as a border focal point or a fragrant cut flower, these perennials promise decades of springtime splendour.
By following these steps, your garden will become a peony paradise, bursting with colour and fragrance year after year.
You can purchase Peony ‘Alexander Fleming’, from Thompson & Morgan.
Peonies are listed as a “Shade Loving Plant”. For more plants for darker spots in the garden, how about you read this guide to plants for shade?
Peony ‘Alexander Fleming’ is a captivating addition to any garden. Peonies, known for their enduring charm and hardiness, require patience to establish but offer long-lasting beauty. These perennial wonders, such as Peony ‘Alexander Fleming’, are a testament to nature’s splendour and the joy they bring to any landscape. Enjoy!
