Paeonia Alexander fleming

Paeonia ‘Alexander Fleming’ is a gorgeous, classic peony that brings real romance to the late spring and early summer garden. It produces large, fully double blooms in a rich rose-pink, often with subtle silvery highlights and a beautifully sweet fragrance. The flowers are packed with ruffled petals and sit above lush, deep green foliage, creating a full, luxurious look that works brilliantly in mixed borders, cottage gardens and cutting beds.

This is a hardy, long-lived perennial that will happily settle in for decades, getting better and more floriferous each year. ‘Alexander Fleming’ is also a fantastic cut flower—its big, scented blooms make an instant statement in a vase. Like all peonies, it prefers a sunny spot and good drainage, and it’s best planted once and left undisturbed. Give it a little patience while it establishes and you’ll be rewarded with an ever-improving display every season.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant peonies in autumn for the best establishment, or in spring if needed, while the soil is workable and not waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position (light shade is tolerated) with fertile, well-drained soil. Peonies dislike sitting in wet ground, especially over winter. Ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens and cutting gardens.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the buds (eyes) are only 2–5 cm below the soil surface. Planting too deep can reduce flowering.
• Spacing: Space plants about 75–100 cm (30–40 inches) apart to allow room for a mature clump.
• Soil Prep: Enrich the planting hole with well-rotted compost and a handful of bonemeal (optional). Avoid fresh manure.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep watered during dry spells in the first growing season. Once established, peonies are fairly drought tolerant but benefit from watering in prolonged dry periods.

Aftercare Tips:

• Support stems with a plant ring if your site is exposed or flowers are very heavy.
• Deadhead spent blooms to keep the plant tidy.
• In autumn, cut back foliage to ground level and remove it to reduce disease carry-over.
• Avoid moving peonies once established—disturbance can delay flowering.

Top Tip:
For the best cut flowers, pick ‘Alexander Fleming’ when buds are soft (like a marshmallow) and just starting to open. A sunny spot with good airflow helps keep foliage healthy and blooms strong.

Plant Details

Flowering Period: May - June

Height: 30–36" (75–90cm)

Position: Full sun / light shade

Hardy Perennial