Paeonia Lovely Rose

Fresh, vibrant and full of elegance, Paeonia 'Lovely Rose' is an exceptional early-flowering hybrid peony, producing large, semi-double blooms in glowing salmon-pink that gradually soften to creamy blush-pink as they mature. At the centre of each beautifully cupped flower is a striking boss of golden-yellow stamens, creating a dazzling contrast that attracts bees and other early pollinating insects.

One of the finest Lobata hybrid peonies, 'Lovely Rose' is celebrated for its remarkable colour transformation, changing from rich coral-salmon tones to soft pastel pink as each bloom ages. Introduced by renowned breeder Don Hollingsworth, this award-winning variety has become a favourite with gardeners thanks to its vigorous growth, strong stems and exceptional garden performance.

Flowering earlier than many traditional herbaceous peonies, 'Lovely Rose' extends the peony season and fills the garden with its delightful sweet, spicy fragrance. The attractive flowers are carried above healthy, deep green foliage and make outstanding cut flowers, lasting well in the vase while bringing elegance indoors.

Winner of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, this hardy perennial is easy to grow and remarkably long-lived. Left undisturbed in a sunny position, Paeonia 'Lovely Rose' will reward gardeners with increasingly spectacular displays for decades.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Paeonia 'Lovely Rose' from autumn through to spring, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Autumn planting allows the roots to establish well before the following growing season.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Peonies perform best when planted in a permanent position where they can remain undisturbed for many years.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant with the crown buds no deeper than 2–3cm (1 inch) below the soil surface. Planting too deeply can prevent flowering.
• Spacing: Allow 75–90cm (30–36 inches) between plants.
• Soil Prep: Incorporate plenty of garden compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil fertility and drainage.

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

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Remove spent flowers to keep plants tidy.
• Cut stems back to ground level after the foliage has naturally died back in autumn.
• Leave plants undisturbed, as peonies become larger and flower more profusely every year.

Top Tip:
Plant 'Lovely Rose' alongside purple Alliums, blue Salvias or white Iris for a striking colour contrast. Its changing flower colours and spicy fragrance make it one of the highlights of the late spring garden.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
May (early season, depending on weather and growing conditions)

Height:
30–35" (75–90cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun or light partial shade

Hardy Perennial

Highly Fragrant (Sweet, spicy fragrance)

Bee & Pollinator Friendly

RHS Award of Garden Merit