Peony 'Duchesse de Nemours' (Paeonia)

The Peony 'Duchesse de Nemours' is a timeless variety, prized for over 150 years for its sumptuous creamy white blooms and enchanting fragrance. With its large, double, pure white flowers, subtly tinted pale yellow at their centers, this peony brightens the garden from late spring onwards. Ideal for beds, borders, or pots, it also makes an excellent cut flower, lasting over a week in a vase. Water needs: Moderate (moist but well-drained soil). In the ground: Perfect for beds and borders. Repeat a shade elsewhere in the garden to create a visual link, or use a backdrop of green foliage that allows the flowers to stand out. Leave some empty spaces initially to adjust the composition once you have observed the plants' actual development over a full season.
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Detailed plant guide
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Quantity
1 root
Exposure
Sun

Discover the plant

Common namePeony
FamilyPaeoniaceae
GenusPeony
TypePerennial bare root plant
Botanical namePeony

‘Duchesse de Nemours’ Peony (Paeonia). The 'Duchesse de Nemours' Peony is a timeless variety, prized for over 150 years for its sumptuous cream-white blooms and captivating fragrance. With its large, double, pure white flowers, lightly tinged with pale yellow at the center, this peony brightens the garden from late spring onwards. Ideal for beds, borders, or pots, it also makes an excellent cut flower, lasting more than a week in a vase. Water needs: Moderate (moist but well-drained soil). In the ground: Perfect for beds and borders.

In pots: Use a deep container (minimum 40 cm (16 in)). To successfully plant, dig a hole 30 cm (12 in) deep and wide. Then, add compost or well-rotted manure. Next, place the root with the buds 2-3 cm (0.79 to 1 in) below the soil surface (planting too deeply reduces flowering). Then, space plants 50 cm (20 in) apart to ensure good air circulation. Finally, water generously after planting. Tip: A well-planted peony can bloom for decades in the same spot!

Watering: Regular during the growing season, but without overwatering. Fertilizer: Apply organic fertilizer in spring to boost flowering. Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers and cut back dry foliage in autumn. Winter protection: Light mulch protects young plants from frost. Royal bloom: Large, double, brilliant pure white flowers. Exquisite fragrance: Perfect for perfuming the garden and indoors. Exceptional hardiness: Tolerates harsh winters (zone 2). Perennial and long-lasting plant: A peony can live for over 50 years! Low maintenance: Once established, it requires very little care. Add a touch of elegance and refinement to your garden with the 'Duchesse de Nemours' Peony!

Pivoine ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ ( Paeonia ) : une pivoine double blanche aux nombreux pétales serrés. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Planting guide

Plant well.Grow beautifully.

Growing method

Choose a sunny, permanent location with fertile, well-draining soil. Peonies appreciate being able to stay in the same spot for several years. Loosen a volume of soil large enough to spread out the roots without bending them. Place the "eyes" shallowly: planting too deeply can delay or compromise flowering. After backfilling, water to bring the soil into contact with the roots, without pressing down firmly with your foot. Keep the area clear of weeds and avoid accumulating mulch over the buds. Mark the planting so as not to disturb it during its winter dormancy. Give the peony time to establish itself: a young planting may require patience before offering abundant blooms. Install discreet support at the beginning of growth if the stems are likely to sag under the weight of the flowers. Water during dry periods, especially the first season, and remove faded flowers while keeping the foliage. The still-green leaves contribute to the plant's reserves for the following year. After they wither, cut the dry stems and remove diseased debris. Avoid frequent transplanting of the clump and maintain an airy space around new shoots in spring.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Watering

Water deeply after planting if the soil is dry, then regularly monitor moisture during establishment. A well-rooted peony primarily needs water during dry periods. Pour water slowly at the base to moisten the root zone without leaving the crown in saturated soil. Check beneath the surface before watering again and space out waterings after rain. Mulch can limit evaporation, but keep an open space around the base of the stems.

Soil type

Prioritize fertile, loose, and well-drained soil, where water does not linger around the crown. Check the drainage after a rain: water should be able to exit the root zone. Work the soil when it is dry enough to avoid compacting it. Adapt soil amendments to its actual texture. In containers, use an appropriate potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Keep these openings clear and avoid any water accumulation in the saucer.

Fertilization

Before adding fertilizer, consider the richness of your soil and any previous applications. A soil analysis can help you choose the most beneficial amendments. If you use a fertilizing product, follow the dosage, frequency, and application method indicated on its packaging. Avoid concentrated applications directly on the roots. Do not over-apply products: an excessive amount of fertilizer does not guarantee better growth or more abundant flowering.

Seasonal care

Choose a sunny, permanent location with fertile, well-draining soil. Peonies prefer to stay in the same spot for several years. Loosen a volume of soil wide enough to spread the roots without bending them. Plant the "eyes" shallowly; planting too deep can delay or compromise flowering. After backfilling, water to bring the soil into contact with the roots, without heavily tamping with your foot. Keep the area clear of weeds and avoid accumulating mulch over the buds. Mark the planting so you don't disturb it during its winter dormancy. Allow the peony time to establish itself; a young plant may require patience before offering abundant blooms. Install discreet support at the beginning of growth if the stems are likely to sag under the weight of the flowers. Water during dry periods, especially in the first season, and remove spent flowers while keeping the foliage. Still-green leaves contribute to the plant's reserves for the following year. After they wither, cut the dry stems and remove diseased debris. Avoid frequent relocation of the clump and maintain an airy space around new shoots in spring. Over the seasons, observe new shoots, soil moisture, and the condition of the stems. A durable label helps locate the plant during its dormancy. Clean tools after cutting diseased parts and remove decaying debris around the base.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Container gardening requires you to plan for the volume needed for the roots and the final height of the plant. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a substrate suitable for planting. Leave enough space to allow for the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding plants to fill the pot immediately. Place the container in the recommended exposure and regularly check for moisture, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than a plant in the ground. Therefore, plan ahead for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate. Choose a sunny and permanent location, in fertile soil that drains well. Peonies appreciate being able to stay in the same place for several years. Loosen a large enough volume of soil to spread the roots without bending them. Place the eyes at a shallow depth: planting too deeply can delay or compromise flowering. After backfilling, water to bring the soil into contact with the roots, without heavily tamping with your foot. Keep the area clear of weeds and avoid accumulating mulch over the buds. Mark the planting so as not to disturb it during its winter dormancy. In winter, protect the container according to the plant's needs: its roots are more exposed to cold than in the ground.
Pivoine ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ ( Paeonia ) : une pivoine double blanche aux nombreux pétales serrés. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

90 cm (36")

Bloom period

With its large, double, pure white flowers, subtly tinged with pale yellow at the center, this peony brightens up the garden from late spring onwards. The weather and the stage of development at the time of planting can affect when the flowers appear. Observe the buds opening to enjoy the flowering at its best. After the flowers, keep the foliage green to allow the plant to complete its cycle.
Pivoine ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ ( Paeonia ) : une pivoine double blanche aux nombreux pétales serrés. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

To accompany 'Duchesse de Nemours' peonies, you could consider perennial geraniums, irises, or catmint. Choose neighboring varieties based on their height, flowering period, and the colors you wish to combine. Most importantly, ensure their sun exposure and water requirements suit the same location. Maintain enough distance so that leaves don't obscure young shoots and to allow easy access to each plant during maintenance. These pairings help compose the garden's aesthetic; they do not guarantee protection against pests or diseases. Adjust the layout after observing one growing season.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How to successfully plant Peony 'Duchesse de Nemours'?
Choose a sunny and lasting location, in fertile soil that drains well. Peonies like to be able to settle in the same spot for several years. Loosen a volume of soil large enough to spread out the roots without bending them. Place the "eyes" shallowly: planting too deeply can delay or compromise flowering. After backfilling, water to bring the soil into contact with the roots, without heavily compacting with your foot. Keep the area clear of weeds and avoid accumulating mulch over the buds. Mark the planting so as not to disturb it during its winter dormancy.
What kind of light should I provide for 'Duchesse de Nemours' Peony?
The recommended exposure is full sun. Observe the light in the chosen location in the morning and afternoon, as the shade from trees or buildings changes throughout the day. Also consider neighboring plants: their foliage can obscure a young planting as it develops. If grown in a container, place the pot where you can move it if conditions become too hot or too shaded. Appropriate exposure must go hand in hand with suitable soil and watering. If you move a plant started indoors outdoors, gradually acclimate it to garden conditions to avoid too abrupt a transition for young leaves.
How to adjust watering?
Water according to the actual soil moisture, taking into account rain, heat, and wind. Check below the surface before deciding on a new watering: soil that is dry on the surface may still be moist at the root level. Direct water to the base and allow it to penetrate, without keeping the plant in saturated soil. Containers generally require more frequent checks because they dry out faster. Make sure their drainage holes remain clear and empty any water-filled saucers. Also adapt care to the plant's cycle: active growth and a resting period do not require the same inputs.
What to plan for container gardening?
Planting in the ground offers more space for this plant to establish itself permanently. If you choose a container, you need to provide the necessary volume for the roots and the final height of the plant. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable substrate. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding the plants to fill the pot immediately. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the humidity, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than a plant in the ground. Therefore, plan from the outset for a wintering location compatible with the needs of this plant and the climate of your region.
What care should be planned after the growing season?
Give the peony time to establish itself: a young plant may require patience before offering abundant blooms. Install discreet support early in its growth if the stems risk drooping under the weight of the flowers. Water during dry periods, especially the first season, and remove faded flowers while keeping the foliage. The green leaves contribute to the plant's reserves for the following year. After they wither, cut the dry stems and remove diseased debris. Avoid frequent transplanting of the clump and maintain an airy space around new shoots in spring.