Paeonia 'Lorelei' Peony is a hardy deciduous perennial that blooms early to midsummer. The plant sets 4- to 5-inch, bomb-form double blooms that have a sweet, spicy scent. Fun and frilly, the bright pink-orange flowers spiral open from dark buds and mature to a beautiful light apricot orange, appearing magnificently multicolored as they transition. Borne on long, strong, erect stems, the showy flowers attract butterflies and make gorgeous cut bouquets with a long vase life.
Typical of Paeonia, commonly called peony, 'Lorelei' is a long-lived, clump-forming, herbaceous plant. It has a mounding habit of attractive glossy, dark green leaves and a slow growth rate. This peony makes a beautiful specimen or container plant but is shown to best effect when grouped or massed in mixed beds and borders. It's a lovely back drop for spring bulbs and a good companion plant for hydrangea, philadelphus, campanula, echinacea, and phlox.
Cold hardy and low maintenance, Paeonia 'Lorelei' Peony grows best in sunny to partly shady locations with rich, fertile, medium moist, well-draining soil, sheltered from strong winds. The plant may benefit from some afternoon shade, especially in hot summer climates, and should be watered regularly, more often in extreme heat. The plant is deer and rabbit resistant.
