Paeonia Sweet Sixteen

Delicate, fragrant and wonderfully romantic, Paeonia 'Sweet Sixteen' is an exquisite herbaceous peony, admired for its large, semi-double blooms in soft shell pink that gradually fade to creamy blush as they mature. At the centre of each elegant flower, a generous cluster of golden-yellow stamens creates a beautiful contrast, attracting bees and adding a light, airy charm to the late spring garden.

Introduced by the renowned American breeder Carl G. Klehm in 1972, 'Sweet Sixteen' has earned an outstanding reputation for its exceptional fragrance, graceful flower form and reliable garden performance. In fact, it is often regarded as one of the most fragrant herbaceous peonies, filling the garden with a sweet, rose-like perfume during flowering.

The elegant blooms are carried on sturdy stems above rich green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. Their refined appearance makes them equally at home in cottage gardens, herbaceous borders and cutting gardens, where the highly fragrant flowers create beautiful, long-lasting arrangements.

Exceptionally hardy and remarkably long-lived, Paeonia 'Sweet Sixteen' becomes increasingly floriferous with age. Left undisturbed in a sunny position, it will provide decades of spectacular spring displays and wonderful fragrance.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Paeonia 'Sweet Sixteen' from autumn through to spring, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Autumn planting allows the roots to establish 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 before planting to encourage healthy root development.

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 spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Remove faded flowers after blooming.
• Cut stems back to ground level once the foliage has naturally died back in autumn.
• Leave plants undisturbed wherever possible, as flowering improves significantly with age.

Top Tip:
Plant 'Sweet Sixteen' close to a seating area, pathway or entrance where its exceptional fragrance can be fully appreciated. Its softly coloured blooms pair beautifully with lavender, Nepeta and white foxgloves.