The ‘Lavon Peony’ is a sought-after herbaceous peony cultivar, known for its exceptional beauty and elegant presence. This variety offers timeless appeal, fitting well in diverse garden styles from formal beds to cottage settings. Its popularity comes from its visual allure, robust growth, and reliable performance.
Distinctive Features of Lavon Peony
The ‘Lavon Peony’ (Paeonia x lactiflora ‘Lavon’) features a high-built, fully-double flower form. Its large blooms, 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in diameter, display a unique two-tone coloration: a blend of medium-pink and medium-yellow, often described as lilac-pink with yellow undertones. A prominent collar of yellow staminodes is also present at the flower’s center.
This cultivar has a mild to very fragrant scent. The plant reaches 90 to 120 centimeters (36 to 47 inches) tall, with flowers held on strong, long stems above the foliage. ‘Lavon Peony’ is a late mid-season bloomer, typically flowering from May into June.
Planting Lavon Peony
Proper site selection is key for ‘Lavon Peony’ establishment. It thrives in full sun, receiving at least six hours daily. Well-drained soil is also important to prevent root rot; amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost improves drainage and fertility. Peonies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH but tolerate loam, sandy, or stony soils.
When planting bare roots, planting depth is crucial. The “eyes” (small pink or red buds on the root) should be no more than 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) below the soil surface. Planting too deeply often prevents blooming. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball for root spread, ensuring 90 to 120 centimeters (3 to 4 feet) between plants for mature growth and air circulation.
Caring for Lavon Peony
Once established, ‘Lavon Peony’ requires consistent care for vigorous growth and abundant blooms. During dry spells, especially in their first year, regular watering keeps soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mature plants are more drought-tolerant but benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods, particularly when buds form. Support for heavy, double blooms is often necessary to prevent stems from bending or breaking, especially after rainfall.
Fertilize cautiously; peonies do not require heavy feeding. An annual application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges is sufficient. High-nitrogen fertilizers encourage foliage growth over flowers. Deadhead spent flowers by snipping them below the bloom and above the first strong leaf to redirect energy to root development instead of seed production. Remove damaged or diseased foliage throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and air circulation.
Addressing Common Peony Problems
Lack of flowers is a common concern for ‘Lavon Peony’ health and bloom production. This often stems from incorrect planting depth (eyes too deep), insufficient sunlight (less than six hours direct sun), or plant immaturity, requiring 2-3 years to establish. Proper light and patience are key.
Pests are not a severe problem for peonies. Ants are often observed on buds, attracted by sugary sap. They are harmless and deter other sap-feeding insects. Diseases like botrytis blight (brown spots, wilting stems) can occur in damp conditions. Good air circulation through proper spacing and promptly removing infected plant material manages this fungal issue. Powdery mildew (white coating on leaves) can appear in humid conditions; good air flow mitigates it.
Preparing Lavon Peony for Winter
Preparing ‘Lavon Peony’ for winter ensures its health for the next growing season. After the first hard frost turns foliage yellow or brown, cut back stems to about 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) above the ground. This occurs in late fall, before heavy snowfalls.
This practice removes potential overwintering sites for fungal spores and diseases. ‘Lavon Peony’ is a hardy perennial and tolerates cold temperatures well. Applying a light layer of mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw, over the crown offers additional protection in colder climates or areas with fluctuating winter temperatures. Mulching insulates roots and maintains consistent soil temperature, preventing freeze-thaw damage.