Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
'Alexander Fleming'
peony
Paeonia 'Alexander Flemming' is a richly flowering herbaceous peony with the sort of generous pink blooms that make early summer feel properly celebratory. Recognised with the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it offers reassuring garden performance alongside undeniable decorative charm. The large, fully double flowers of Paeonia 'Alexander Flemming' open in a bright, romantic pink, gradually softening towards the petal edges for a beautifully layered effect. Full, rounded and lavish without looking overworked, Paeonia 'Alexander Flemming' brings classic peony splendour to borders, where its colour is lively enough to lift the planting but soft enough to remain elegant.
Plant Paeonia 'Alexander Flemming' in fertile, well-drained soil, in a sunny or lightly shaded position, where its substantial flowers can be supported by strong neighbouring plants and admired at close range. It pairs beautifully with violet salvias, white alliums, hardy geraniums and fresh green foliage, creating a scheme that feels full of movement and early summer abundance. The blooms are excellent for cutting, bringing that unmistakable peony luxury indoors with very little ceremony required. Dependable, floriferous and warmly coloured, Paeonia lactiflora 'Alexander Flemming' is a fine choice for gardeners who want a pink peony with real presence.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Paeonia lactiflora 'Alexander Fleming'
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 70cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 3/5 eyes
- Plant spacing
- 3 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.