Paeonia 'Mons. Jules Elie'

Monsieur Jules Elie Garden Peony

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ is a classic herbaceous perennial peony with very large, fragrant, soft rose-pink double flowers. The bloom has broad outer guard petals surrounding a raised center of curled, silvery-pink petals, giving it a full “bomb” or crown-like form. It has light green foliage and a tall, free-flowering habit. The American Peony Society describes it as one of the most popular peonies and especially effective as a cut flower.

Type: Herbaceous perennial peony
Mature Size: 30–36 in. wide × 30–36 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Upright, bushy, clumping perennial; tall stems may need support
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun
Soil / Water: Fertile, rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil; avoid wet, poorly drained sites
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; early to mid-late depending on source and climate, usually about 7–10 days
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects; generally deer and rabbit resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for perennial borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, specimen planting, mass planting, and heirloom gardens. ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ is especially valued for its large fragrant pink flowers, old-fashioned form, and use as a cut flower. Chicago Botanic Garden notes it was introduced in 1888 and has a very large fragrant flower suitable for cutting.

Care:
Plant peony eyes about 1–2 inches below the soil surface; planting too deeply can reduce bloom. Provide good air circulation and water at the base when possible. Because the flowers are large and heavy, use a peony ring or support cage early in spring. Remove spent flowers after bloom, leave foliage through summer to feed the roots, then cut stems to the ground after frost in fall and remove old foliage from the garden.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

30-36''

Width

30-36"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Pink, Rose

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Bronze, Dark Green, Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Compact, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No