Victoire de la Marne Peony

Victoire de la Marne Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Victoire de la Marne')

Victoire de la Marne Peony brings a rich, moody bloom season to sunny borders with color that feels dramatic yet classic. It is a long-lived perennial that settles in and improves each year, building a fuller clump and producing more blooms over time. The deeper flower tones add depth to mixed plantings and pair beautifully with whites, silvery foliage, and fresh spring greens for strong contrast. If you want a peony that stands out from typical pinks while still feeling timeless, this one is a great choice.

Distinctive Features

This herbaceous peony forms a sturdy mound of deep green, finely cut foliage and produces large, full double blooms in late spring to early summer. Victoire de la Marne is known for deep magenta to purplish-red flowers with a plush, layered look that reads rich and distinctive in the garden. The blooms create a bold highlight without needing loud color, and they bring a refined, slightly vintage feel to borders and cutting gardens. After flowering, the foliage remains attractive through summer, keeping borders looking full and finished.

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 bloom color can anchor a spring border and draw attention from a main view.
• Perennial Borders: Use to add rich seasonal color and lush structure among companion plants.
• Cut Flowers: Grow in a cutting garden for distinctive blooms that bring depth and drama indoors.
• Contrast Plantings: Pair with white flowers and silvery foliage for a sharp, high-end spring look.

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 Victoire de la Marne Peony?

• Deep Magenta Color: Rich blooms bring a distinctive, dramatic highlight to late spring borders.
• Full Double Form: Dense petals create a plush peony look that feels classic and premium.
• Long Lived Perennial: Establishes into a clump that returns reliably and improves over time.
• Great for Arrangements: Bold color makes striking cut flowers that bring the garden indoors.

Victoire de la Marne Peony is a rewarding choice for gardeners who want classic peony form with deeper, more distinctive color. Give it sun, well-drained soil, and a permanent home where it can mature without disturbance. As it settles in, it will deliver bigger bloom seasons and a lush, finished presence that keeps borders looking polished year after year.