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.
'Paul M. Wild'
peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Paul M. Wild' is a richly coloured peony with the kind of depth that makes a border feel instantly more considered. Its fully double flowers open in sumptuous shades of deep pinkish-purple, each bloom packed with softly ruffled petals and carried on sturdy stems that know how to hold their nerve. Lightly fragrant and pleasingly opulent, Paeonia lactiflora 'Paul M. Wild' brings a refined drama to early summer, pairing beautifully with dusky salvias, pale irises, silver foliage or the fresh green froth of alchemilla. The dark green foliage forms a handsome backdrop, keeping the plant looking smart once the flowers have had their well-deserved moment.
Clump-forming and herbaceous, Paeonia lactiflora 'Paul M. Wild' returns each year with dependable grace, gradually building into a generous, long-lived garden feature. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil where it can enjoy sunshine or light shade, and avoid burying the crown too deeply, as peonies prefer their eyes close to the surface. Paeonia lactiflora 'Paul M. Wild' is particularly effective in romantic borders, cottage gardens and cutting patches, where its bold colour can be appreciated indoors as well as out. Elegant but not aloof, Paeonia lactiflora 'Paul M. Wild' offers classic peony beauty with a deliciously moody 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 'Paul M. Wild'
- Flower colour
- Purple, 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.