Paeonia 'Primevère'

Paeonia 'Primevère' is a classic herbaceous peony with the quiet confidence of a variety that has been admired since 1907. Bred by the celebrated French breeder Lemoine, it remains one of the finest yellow-toned herbaceous peonies, and its RHS Award of Garden Merit confirms its reliable garden performance. The large, anemone-form flowers of Paeonia 'Primevère' have milky-white outer guard petals surrounding a densely ruffled centre of canary-yellow petaloids. As the blooms mature, the yellow softens towards cream, giving Paeonia 'Primevère' a beautifully mellow, almost candlelit quality in late spring and early summer.

Plant Paeonia 'Primevère' in fertile, well-drained soil, in sun or light shade, where its refined colouring can be appreciated at close range. Its creamy and yellow tones make it especially lovely with blue salvias, white alliums, pale roses and silvery foliage, creating a border that feels composed without becoming too formal. The flowers are excellent for cutting, bringing their softly ruffled centres indoors for arrangements with a gentle, vintage charm. Long-lived, elegant and richly decorated without being showy, Paeonia lactiflora 'Primevère' is a superb peony for gardeners who enjoy heritage plants with a distinctly polished finish.