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.
'Puffed Cotton'
peony
Paeonia 'Puffed Cotton' is a peony of cloud-like softness, producing fully double flowers packed with layers of soft white to palest cream petals. The blooms have an airy, gently puffy structure, more like whipped meringue than anything grown in ordinary soil, though thankfully far longer lasting. There is a lovely lightness to Paeonia 'Puffed Cotton', despite the fullness of each flower, giving it a fresh, graceful presence in late spring and early summer borders. Its pale colouring catches the light beautifully, making Paeonia 'Puffed Cotton' especially effective near paths, terraces or darker foliage, where every petal can be properly admired.
Plant Paeonia 'Puffed Cotton' in fertile, well-drained soil, in a sunny or lightly shaded position, and allow it time to settle into its stride. Like all good peonies, it rewards patience with a richer, more generous display as the years pass. The creamy white flowers are wonderfully versatile, pairing with dusky pink roses, blue salvias, silver foliage and soft grasses for a border that feels elegant without looking over-rehearsed. They are also beautiful for cutting, bringing a calm, luxurious quality to vases and arrangements. Refined, romantic and pleasingly plush, Paeonia 'Puffed Cotton' is a superb choice for gardeners who like their peonies full, luminous and just a little bit floaty.
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 'Puffed Cotton'
- Flower colour
- White, cream
- 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
- No
- 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.