Paeonia Do Tell

Elegant, distinctive and utterly captivating, Paeonia 'Do Tell' is one of the most admired Japanese-form peonies, celebrated for its exquisite combination of soft colour and unique flower form. Large, bowl-shaped blooms open in delicate shell pink, gradually fading to blush white, surrounding a dramatic centre of creamy-white and rose-pink petaloids tipped with gold.

Introduced in 1946 by Carl G. Klehm, this award-winning variety has become a favourite with gardeners around the world for its refined beauty and outstanding garden performance. Unlike fully double peonies, the open flower form allows the striking centre to remain visible, making it highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects while adding wonderful texture and movement to the border.

The elegant flowers are carried on strong stems above attractive, deep green foliage that remains handsome throughout the growing season. Their graceful appearance and light fragrance also make them exceptional cut flowers, bringing a sophisticated touch to floral arrangements.

Winner of the prestigious American Peony Society Gold Medal, Paeonia 'Do Tell' is a long-lived, hardy perennial that will flourish for decades, becoming increasingly floriferous with each passing year.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Paeonia 'Do Tell' from autumn through to spring, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Autumn planting gives the roots the best opportunity to establish before flowering.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in full sun or light partial shade with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Peonies perform best when planted in a permanent position where they can remain undisturbed.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant with the crown buds no more than 2–3 cm (1 inch) below the soil surface. Planting too deeply can reduce flowering.
• Spacing: Allow approximately 75–90 cm (30–36 inches) between plants.
• Soil Prep: Improve the planting area with garden compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Once established, peonies are relatively drought tolerant but benefit from watering during extended dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed each spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Remove spent flowers to keep plants tidy.
• Cut stems back to ground level once the foliage has naturally died back in autumn.
• Avoid moving established plants, as peonies flower more profusely with age.

Top Tip:
'Do Tell' looks stunning planted alongside purple alliums, Nepeta or white irises, where its elegant pink blooms and striking centre can truly shine. The open flowers are also excellent for attracting pollinating insects.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
May – June (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
32–36" (80–90cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun or light partial shade

Hardy Perennial

Lightly Fragrant

Bee & Pollinator Friendly

American Peony Society Gold Medal Winner