The ‘Felix Flower’, officially known as Paeonia lactiflora ‘Felix Crousse’, is a classic choice for gardens. This herbaceous peony, introduced in 1881, is known for its reliability and beauty. Its popularity stems from its striking blooms and pleasant fragrance, making it a favored perennial.
Understanding Felix Flower
The ‘Felix Crousse’ peony is known for its abundant, distinctive blooms. These large, double flowers are often described as bomb-type, densely packed with petals. They display a rich, brilliant crimson to raspberry-red color, often with a delicate silvery sheen at their tips. While some sources note a poor fragrance, others describe it as delightfully fragrant or sweet-scented.
This vigorous herbaceous perennial typically reaches a mature height of 28 to 36 inches (60-90 cm) with a similar spread. Its lush, dark green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, often turning a deep ruby-red in the fall, providing extended visual interest. ‘Felix Crousse’ blooms heavily in late spring to early summer, with each bloom period lasting approximately 7-10 days. This late midseason bloomer is also prized for its suitability as a cut flower, maintaining a long vase life when cut in bud.
Planting Felix Flower
Proper site selection and soil preparation are crucial for establishing a healthy ‘Felix Flower’ peony, as these plants can thrive for decades. Peonies perform best in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though they tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. A sheltered location protects the large blooms from strong winds and heavy rain.
The soil should be fertile, well-drained, and have a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. Avoid planting in soggy areas where water might stand, as this can lead to root issues. When preparing the planting site, dig a generous hole, about two feet deep and two feet across, to accommodate the root system. Incorporating organic material like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil will enhance its fertility and drainage.
Planting depth is important for successful blooming. When planting bare roots, position the root division so the eyes (small pink or red buds) are no more than 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the soil surface. Planting too deeply is a common reason peonies may fail to flower. The optimal time to plant ‘Felix Crousse’ is in early fall, allowing roots to establish before winter. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care for Felix Flower
Once established, the ‘Felix Flower’ peony is relatively low-maintenance. Consistent care supports its long-term health and abundant blooms. Established plants have average water needs, requiring deep watering every 7-10 days, particularly during dry spells or in hot climates. Avoid overwatering, as saturated soil can lead to root rot.
Fertilization is not an annual requirement for mature peonies. Apply a side dressing of organic compost, bone meal, or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant every couple of years in early summer, after blooming. Excessive nitrogen can hinder flower production, so a balanced approach is beneficial.
Due to their large, heavy blooms, ‘Felix Crousse’ peonies often benefit from support to prevent stems from flopping, especially after rain. Peony rings, circular supports, can be placed early in spring as the plant grows, allowing stems to grow through them. Deadheading spent flowers by clipping them down to where the foliage meets the stem helps maintain a tidy appearance and directs energy towards root development rather than seed production. In fall, after foliage has died down or turned yellow, cut back the entire plant to about three inches from the ground to help prevent disease.
Addressing Common Issues
While ‘Felix Flower’ peonies are robust, certain issues can arise. A common concern is lack of blooms, frequently caused by planting the eyes too deeply or too shallowly. Over-fertilization with high nitrogen can also inhibit flowering, as the plant prioritizes foliage growth over bloom production. Peonies require cold dormancy to form flower buds, so those in warmer climates with insufficient chilling hours may experience reduced blooming.
Pests are not a significant problem for ‘Felix Crousse’ peonies. Ants are often observed on peony buds, attracted to the sugary nectar they excrete. These insects are harmless to the plant and do not cause damage; they are not a sign of disease or infestation.
Diseases can occasionally affect peonies, with botrytis blight being a common concern. This fungal disease typically appears in cool, wet conditions, causing buds to rot, stems to blacken, and leaves to develop brown spots. Good air circulation, proper spacing, and removing affected plant parts help manage its spread. Ensuring well-drained soil and avoiding overhead watering also reduce the likelihood of fungal issues. Removing all old foliage in fall is a good preventative measure to minimize overwintering disease spores.