Paeonia'Dr. Alexander Fleming'

Peony Garden

Dr. Alexander Fleming’ is an herbaceous garden peony perennial with large, fully double, rose-pink to deep pink blooms that are strongly fragrant. Flowers appear in late spring to early summer above glossy, dark green divided foliage. The plant forms an upright, bushy clump through the growing season, then dies back to the ground after frost. It is valued as a classic cut-flower peony and was recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.

Type: Herbaceous perennial peony
Mature Size: 24–36 in. wide × 30–36 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Upright, rounded clump
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun
Soil / Water: Fertile, well-drained soil; average moisture, avoid soggy soil
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; late midseason bloom, usually about 7–10 days, with side buds helping extend the display
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies; generally deer resistant once established

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for perennial borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, foundation plantings, and mass plantings. The large, fragrant pink flowers make it especially useful as a cut flower, while the dark green foliage stays attractive through summer. Plant with other early, midseason, and late peonies to extend the overall peony bloom season.

Care:
Plant peony eyes shallowly, usually about 1–2 inches below the soil surface in cold-winter areas; planting too deep can reduce blooming. Provide good air circulation and avoid wet sites. Cut stems to the ground after frost in fall and remove old foliage from the garden to reduce disease issues. Established clumps can live for many years and usually prefer not to be moved.

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub, Perennial

Height

30-36''

Width

24-36''

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No