Inspecteur Lavergne Peony
Inspecteur Lavergne Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Inspecteur Lavergne')
Inspecteur Lavergne Peony brings classic peony impact to sunny borders with a rich bloom season that feels both traditional and refined. It is a long-lived perennial that settles in and improves each year, building a fuller clump and producing more flowers over time. The lush foliage remains attractive after flowering, helping beds look finished through summer. If you want a dependable peony that delivers a strong spring highlight and excellent cut flowers, this one is a great choice.
Distinctive Features
This herbaceous peony forms a sturdy mound of deep green, finely cut foliage and produces large, showy blooms in late spring to early summer. Inspecteur Lavergne is known for rich red to deep crimson flowers with a full, layered look that reads bold and luxurious in the garden. Many plants offer a light to noticeable fragrance, adding extra enjoyment near patios and walkways. After flowering, the plant remains an attractive leafy presence, providing structure and fullness in the border through the growing season.
Growing Conditions
- Sun: Full sun to part sun, with at least 6 hours of sun for best flowering.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil is ideal, with compost added to improve structure and drainage.
- Water: Water regularly during establishment, then provide consistent moisture during dry stretches, avoiding soggy soil.
- USDA Zones: 3 to 8.
- Planting Depth: Set eyes just below the soil surface to support reliable blooming.
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point: Plant where the deep red blooms can anchor a spring border and draw attention from a main view.
- Perennial Borders: Use to add strong seasonal color and lush structure among companion plants.
- Cut Flowers: Grow in a cutting garden for large blooms that create a polished indoor arrangement.
- Foundation Planting: Place in front of evergreens or shrubs for contrast and a classic seasonal highlight.
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in spring as buds form and after flowering as roots store energy.
- Staking: Support heavy blooms with rings or stakes if stems lean after rain.
- Feeding: Top-dress with compost in spring and avoid heavy nitrogen that can reduce flowering.
- Fall Cleanup: Cut stems back to the ground after frost and remove debris to keep the planting clean.
Why Choose Inspecteur Lavergne Peony?
- Rich Red Blooms: Deep color brings a bold, classic highlight to late spring borders.
- Full Flower Form: Layered petals create a lush peony look that reads premium in the garden.
- Long Lived Perennial: Establishes into a clump that returns reliably and improves over time.
- Great for Arrangements: Large blooms hold well in vases and bring the garden indoors.
Inspecteur Lavergne Peony is a rewarding choice for gardeners who want classic peony beauty with strong color and long-term reliability. Give it sun, well-drained soil, and a permanent home where it can mature without disturbance. As the clump strengthens each year, it will deliver bigger bloom seasons and a lush, finished presence that keeps borders looking polished.
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