{"product_id":"paeonia-lactiflora-shirley-temple","title":"Fragrant pink garden peonies - Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple'","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"message-bubble rounded-3xl prose dark:prose-invert break-words text-primary min-h-7 prose-p:opacity-95 prose-strong:opacity-100 w-full max-w-none\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a classic and extremely popular variety of herbaceous peony, renowned for its large, double flowers and elegant appearance. This perennial plant is a favorite choice in ornamental gardens due to its delicate beauty and subtle fragrance, named in honor of the famous actress Shirley Temple, evoking her grace and charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShape\u003c\/strong\u003e: The flowers are \u003cstrong\u003edouble\u003c\/strong\u003e, with numerous overlapping petals creating a round, full shape resembling a pompom. The flower diameter can reach \u003cstrong\u003e15-20 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor\u003c\/strong\u003e: When opening, the flowers are a \u003cstrong\u003edelicate pale pink\u003c\/strong\u003e that gradually fades to a \u003cstrong\u003epure creamy white\u003c\/strong\u003e as they mature, offering a refined visual effect. Sometimes, the petals may retain subtle pink traces near the base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance\u003c\/strong\u003e: It emits a \u003cstrong\u003esweet and subtle scent\u003c\/strong\u003e, typical of peonies from the Paeonia lactiflora species, attracting pollinators and delighting the senses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlooming period\u003c\/strong\u003e: Blooms in \u003cstrong\u003eMay-June\u003c\/strong\u003e, with each flower lasting about 7-10 days, although the plant produces multiple flowers successively, extending the floral display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: Grows up to \u003cstrong\u003e80-90 cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e and about 60-80 cm wide, forming a compact and well-structured bush.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e: The leaves are a \u003cstrong\u003edark, glossy green\u003c\/strong\u003e, deeply lobed, and remain attractive throughout the season, even after the flowers fade. In autumn, the foliage may take on reddish hues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVigor\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is a robust plant with strong stems that support the heavy flowers well, although in windy or heavy rain conditions it may benefit from support (e.g., staking rings).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure\u003c\/strong\u003e: Prefers \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003elight partial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, with at least 6 hours of daily light for optimal blooming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Requires \u003cstrong\u003efertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6-7). Clay soils rich in organic matter are ideal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e: Needs regular watering, especially in the first year and during dry periods, but does not tolerate waterlogged soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting\u003c\/strong\u003e: Plant in autumn (September-October) or early spring, with rhizomes no more than 2-3 cm below soil level to avoid inhibiting flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning\u003c\/strong\u003e: In autumn, after the leaves dry, cut the stems 5-10 cm above the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare and Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e: Very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to \u003cstrong\u003e-30°C\u003c\/strong\u003e (USDA zones 3-8), making it suitable for temperate climates, including Romania.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilization\u003c\/strong\u003e: A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) applied in spring at shoot emergence stimulates blooming. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and diseases\u003c\/strong\u003e: Resistant to most issues but can be affected by gray mold (Botrytis) in damp conditions; ensure good ventilation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarden Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Shirley Temple' peony\u003c\/strong\u003e is perfect for borders, groups of perennials, or as a focal point in the garden. Its spectacular flowers pair well with roses, lavender, or irises, and the dense foliage provides an attractive backdrop. It is also excellent for floral arrangements due to the size and durability of the cut flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003ePaeonia lactiflora, the base species, is native to \u003cstrong\u003eEast Asia\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially China, Mongolia, and Siberia, where it naturally grows in meadows and mountainous areas. It has been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years, initially for its medicinal properties and later for its ornamental beauty. The \u003cstrong\u003e'Shirley Temple' peony\u003c\/strong\u003e variety was introduced to horticulture in \u003cstrong\u003e1948\u003c\/strong\u003e by American breeder Louis Smirnow, who developed it through selective crosses of lactiflora peonies. Its name honors actress Shirley Temple, reflecting the purity and charm of its white flowers with pink accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e📌 \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e New peony shoots are very fragile and can easily break during handling or transport. This does not affect the plant's viability, as the peony has a reserve rhizome\/root and can produce new shoots. Depending on the growth stage, some plants may be shipped without visible active growth at the time of dispatch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Secret Garden Outdoor","offers":[{"title":"rhizome in 12 cm pot","offer_id":41090923397318,"sku":"","price":66.0,"currency_code":"DKK","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/5551\/3798\/products\/35166.jpg?v=1634488313","url":"https:\/\/sicretgarden.com\/en-dk\/products\/paeonia-lactiflora-shirley-temple","provider":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}