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.
'Cheddar Cheese'
peony
Paeonia 'Cheddar Cheese' is a hardy perennial peony with a name that may sound playful, yet the flowers themselves are beautifully refined. Large double to semi-double blooms combine creamy, butter-white outer petals with a pink blush and a lavish heart of golden yellow petaloids, creating a two-toned effect that glows in the late spring and early summer border. Strongly and pleasantly fragrant, Paeonia 'Cheddar Cheese' offers more than good looks, although it is certainly not lacking there. The contrast between the pale guard petals and warm centre gives Paeonia 'Cheddar Cheese' a fresh, luminous character with just enough richness to feel distinctive.
Plant Paeonia 'Cheddar Cheese' in fertile, well-drained soil, in sun or light shade, where its unusual colouring and fragrance can be enjoyed properly. It looks especially elegant with soft blue salvias, white alliums, pale yellow irises and deep green foliage, while its golden centre links beautifully with warmer planting nearby. The scented blooms are excellent for cutting, adding a bright but gentle note to vases, particularly when mixed with creams, greens and muted pastels. Long-lived, hardy and full of character, Paeonia lactiflora 'Cheddar Cheese' is a splendid peony for gardeners who like classic form with a delicious twist.
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 'Cheddar Cheese'
- Flower colour
- Cream, white, yellow, 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.