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.
'Monsieur Jules Elie'
peony
This very large double peony is without doubt one of the best single-colour peonies of all time, and is always one of the most popular. Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Jules Elie' was bred in France, in 1888, and it has never been surpassed. Its flowers are of a classic deep rose-pink, with large outer petals and a raised centre. If you look closely, you’ll see that the slightly incurved central petals of Paeonia 'Monsieur Jules Elie' have a pale line running down the centre, as well as a silver sheen on their backs. These blooms, which may be 20cm or so across, also have a delicious rose-like fragrance. In addition, s'Monsieur Jules Elie' flowers retain their colour well in bright sunshine, many other peonies are inclined to fade. It also produces distinct, broad, green leaves of a particularly bright shade of green.
Paeonia lactiflora 'Monsieur Jules Elie' is such a good garden plant that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). Finally, being one of the last peonies to flower, it is a very useful cultivar for extending the peony season.
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 'Monsieur Jules Elie'
- 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
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- 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.