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.
'Madame Claude Tain'
peony
Paeonia 'Madame Claude Tain' is a peony of serene elegance, opening from large, rounded white buds into sumptuous blooms of pure white with a soft cream heart. Lightly scented and generously petalled, it has that polished, bridal quality which makes white peonies so irresistible, yet Paeonia 'Madame Claude Tain' feels fresh rather than formal. Each stem produces a flower, creating a rich and graceful display in early summer, when the border is beginning to gather itself into full splendour. Often regarded as an improved form of the much-loved 'Duchesse de Nemours', Paeonia 'Madame Claude Tain' brings refinement with a little extra confidence.
Plant Paeonia 'Madame Claude Tain' in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light shade, allowing its handsome foliage and luminous flowers plenty of room to shine. Its cool white colouring is beautifully versatile, pairing effortlessly with dusky pinks, soft blues, silver foliage and deep green evergreens, or lending calm to more exuberant planting schemes. The lightly fragrant blooms are excellent for cutting, bringing a composed, gently romantic mood indoors without demanding too much attention, which is very considerate of them. Long-lived, floriferous and quietly luxurious, Paeonia 'Madame Claude Tain' is a superb peony for gardeners who appreciate classic beauty with dependable garden 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 'Madame Claude Tain'
- Flower colour
- Cream, white
- 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.