OFFICE HOURSMon – Fri: 8:00 AM to 16:00 PM
-
-
CALL US NOW
022 485 7058 -
Introducing our Duchesse de Nemours Peony Roots, a timeless and elegant addition to any garden. This much-loved heritage variety is renowned for its large, creamy-white double blooms, softly ruffled petals and beautiful fragrance. Each premium root is carefully selected for strong garden performance and features 4–5 healthy eyes, offering excellent potential for vigorous growth and an abundance of flowers as the plant matures.
These premium roots will be shipped beginning June 2026, perfectly timed for gardeners preparing their winter planting.
Planting Guide for South Africa
Best Planting Time
Winter planting: June through August is ideal across most South African regions, as the cooler temperatures allow the dormant Duchesse de Nemours peony roots to establish before spring growth begins.
Mild-climate tip: In warmer or milder regions, keep the roots in a cool, dark place for approximately one week before planting. This brief chilling period can help imitate the winter dormancy peonies naturally experience.
Site and Soil Preparation
Location: Choose a position receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Light afternoon shade may be beneficial in particularly hot inland regions.
Soil: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of approximately 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.
Spacing: Allow approximately 90 cm between plants to provide enough room for mature foliage and good air circulation.
Planting Instructions
Digging the hole: Prepare a hole approximately twice the width of the root cluster. The planting depth should allow the eyes to sit no more than 5 cm below the finished soil surface.
Positioning the root: Place the root with the 4–5 eyes facing upward. Spread the roots naturally and backfill gently with soil, taking care not to damage the developing buds.
Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, but never allow it to become waterlogged.
Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, straw or compost, around the planting area. Avoid piling mulch directly over the crown of the plant.
Extra Tips and Tricks
Frost protection: Established peonies tolerate cold conditions well. In areas experiencing severe frost, protect newly emerging spring shoots with frost cloth or a light additional mulch layer.
Fertilisation: When new shoots appear in spring, apply a balanced fertiliser, such as 10-10-10, or a specialised flowering-plant fertiliser. Avoid applying fertiliser directly onto the crown.
Flowering expectations: Peonies can take time to establish. Limited flowering during the first one or two seasons is normal, with the display improving as the root develops and matures.
Deadheading and maintenance: Remove faded blooms after flowering to direct energy back into the root. Once the foliage has naturally died back in autumn, cut it down and remove the debris from the garden.
Pest and disease watch: Maintain good airflow around the plant to reduce the risk of botrytis and other fungal diseases. Watch for slugs and snails around tender young shoots and use suitable garden-safe controls where necessary.
Embrace the classic beauty of the Duchesse de Nemours Peony and look forward to years of luxurious, fragrant white blooms that make an exceptional feature in garden beds and cut-flower arrangements
| Title | Default Title |
|---|
