Paeonia Sorbet

A true masterpiece of nature, Paeonia 'Sorbet' is one of the world's most distinctive and admired herbaceous peonies. Its magnificent, fully double blooms are famous for their unique three-layered appearance, creating the illusion of three flowers stacked into one. Soft rose-pink outer petals cradle a frilled collar of creamy-white petals, crowned by a final tuft of blush-pink petals, giving the flower the appearance of a delicious layered dessert—hence its irresistible name.

Introduced in 1963 by Luc Klinkhamer in the Netherlands, 'Sorbet' has become one of the most recognisable peonies ever bred. The large, lightly fragrant blooms are carried on strong stems above attractive deep green foliage, making this variety equally spectacular in borders and exceptional as a long-lasting cut flower.

Flowering from late spring into early summer, 'Sorbet' provides an elegant focal point in cottage gardens, mixed herbaceous borders and cutting gardens. Its soft pastel colours blend beautifully with blue salvias, catmint, delphiniums and white foxgloves, creating timeless planting combinations.

Exceptionally hardy and incredibly long-lived, Paeonia 'Sorbet' becomes increasingly floriferous with every passing year. Given a sunny position and left undisturbed, it will reward gardeners with spectacular displays for decades, making it one of the finest investment plants for any garden.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Paeonia 'Sorbet' 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 may prevent flowering.
• Spacing: Allow 75–90cm (30–36 inches) between plants.
• Soil Prep: Improve the planting area with garden compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and encourage healthy root development.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Once established, plants generally only require watering during prolonged dry periods.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Remove spent flowers after blooming to encourage healthy growth.
• Cut stems back to ground level once the foliage has naturally died back in autumn.
• Leave plants undisturbed wherever possible, as peonies become larger and flower more prolifically with age.

Top Tip:
'Sorbet' is one of the finest peonies for cutting. Harvest flowers when the buds feel like soft marshmallows for long-lasting indoor arrangements. In the garden, pair with blue or purple perennials to enhance its delicate pink and cream colouring.