Paeonia 'Paula Fay'

Paeonia ‘Paula Fay’ is a real early-season star, prized for its vivid, glowing cerise-pink blooms that bring instant colour to the garden in late spring. The flowers are large and semi-double, opening wide to reveal a bright golden centre that’s particularly attractive to bees. With strong stems and a neat, bushy habit, it’s a brilliant choice for mixed borders and cutting gardens, offering that classic peony impact with a fresher, more open look than the heavy double varieties. The healthy green foliage stays attractive for months, helping to give structure long after the flowers have finished.

As with all herbaceous peonies, ‘Paula Fay’ is long-lived and gets better each year. Plant it at the correct depth, give it sunshine and well-drained soil, and it will reward you with increasingly impressive clumps and plenty of blooms.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant bare root peonies in autumn (best) or through to early spring, while dormant. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position (or light shade) with fertile, well-drained soil. Peonies dislike sitting in wet ground and prefer to be left undisturbed once established. Ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens and cutting gardens.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the ‘eyes’ (buds) sit just 2–3 cm below the soil surface. Planting too deep can reduce flowering.
• Spacing: Space 80–100 cm (32–40 inches) apart to allow good air circulation and room to mature.
• Soil Prep: Dig a generous hole and mix in well-rotted compost or manure. In heavy soils, add grit to improve drainage.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep the soil lightly moist while establishing, then water only during prolonged dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.

Aftercare Tips:

• Mulch in spring with compost, keeping it away from the crown.
• Support stems if needed, especially in exposed gardens or during wet weather.
• Deadhead after flowering, but leave the foliage to feed the plant for next year.
• Cut back foliage in autumn once it dies down and dispose of it to keep plants healthy.

Top Tip:
Because the blooms are more open, Paeonia ‘Paula Fay’ is excellent for pollinators. For the best flowering, make sure the buds are planted at the correct depth—peonies planted too deep can be slow to bloom.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

May - June (often early)

Height:
28–36" (70–90cm)

Position:
Full sun / light shade

Hardy Perennial