Product Description
Paeonia 'Dr. Alexander Fleming' (10) 3 to 5 Eye Bare Root Plant
Common Name: Garden Peony
Fragrant, fully double, pink blossoms abound in early summer. The central petals have a tendency to curl inward, giving the flowers a sphere-like shape. Many side buds are produced, extending the bloom time.
Peonies are classic garden plants that add a bit of nostalgia and charm to the garden. Their fragrant blooms and lush foliage have made them popular for years, and with the recent resurgence in breeding, they will continue to improve. Peonies are simple to grow and can be utilized in many ways, including mass plantings, specimens, or hedges. By choosing a mixture of early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, you can have blooms for up to 6 weeks.
Height: 30.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting Salt Tolerant
Paeonia 'Dr. Alexander Fleming' is a beautiful and fragrant herbaceous peony that is a favorite among gardeners and florists alike. It is named after the renowned Scottish scientist who discovered penicillin, and its lovely rose-pink flowers are a fitting tribute to his contributions to medicine. Here is a closer look at this popular peony cultivar:
Appearance:
- Rose-Pink Double Flowers: 'Dr. Alexander Fleming' produces large, double flowers in a vibrant rose-pink color. The petals are delicately ruffled and have a silvery sheen, adding to their elegance. The flowers have a classic peony fragrance, often described as sweet and rosy.
- Strong Stems: The flowers are held on strong, upright stems that do not require staking, even when the blooms are fully open.
- Dark Green Foliage: The foliage is a deep green color and provides an attractive backdrop for the flowers. It remains healthy and attractive throughout the growing season.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot summer climates.
- Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of climates.
Care:
- Low Maintenance: 'Dr. Alexander Fleming' is a relatively low-maintenance plant.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers can help prolong the bloom time and keep the plant looking tidy.
Uses:
- Borders: Adds a classic touch of elegance and fragrance to borders and beds.
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive flowers and attractive foliage make it an excellent specimen plant.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting flowers are prized for use in cut flower arrangements.
Additional Information:
- Long Bloom Time: 'Dr. Alexander Fleming' has a long bloom time for a peony, typically flowering for about 7-10 days in late spring to early summer.
- Disease Resistance: It is generally disease-free and resistant to common peony problems like botrytis blight.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid peonies.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.
If you are looking for a beautiful and fragrant peony with large, rose-pink flowers, strong stems, and a long bloom time, Paeonia 'Dr. Alexander Fleming' is an excellent choice. It is a classic and reliable addition to any garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
