Paeonia lactiflora 'Lady Liberty'
perennial

Lady Liberty Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Lady Liberty'

The Story

Plant Bio

Peonies are well-loved for their large, fragrant blooms. 'Lady Liberty' is a semi-double to double form with large, creamy white flowers featuring a delicate soft pink picotee edge.

This cultivar is known for its strong, upright stems that support the heavy blooms exceptionally well, reducing the need for staking.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesPaeonia lactiflora Lady Liberty offers large, fragrant blooms that enhance garden aesthetics in early summer.
Practical UsesIts sturdy stems make it suitable for cut flower arrangements, bringing beauty indoors.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
SpeciesPaeonia lactifloraChinese Peony, Common Garden Peony

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Decades with proper care

Native To

China

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
  2. Tuck seeds or divisions into the soil, spacing them 3 feet apart for ample growth.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots.
  4. Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring for optimal blooms.
  6. Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter to encourage healthy growth.

Pro Tip

Plant peonies in full sun with good air circulation for the best blooms and disease resistance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
  • Apply fertilizer early spring and after flowering
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
  • Stake taller varieties to support heavy blooms
  • Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don't disturb the roots once established
  • Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
  • Don't plant too deeply, as it can hinder blooming
  • Avoid excessive pruning during active growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant perennial border with lush foliageFragrant cut flower in floral arrangementsClassic cottage garden centerpiece

Companion Plants

Lavender SalviaFoxglove DelphiniumPeony

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lady Liberty Peony questions

What zones can Lady Liberty Peony grow in?

Lady Liberty Peony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lady Liberty Peony deer resistant?

Yes — Lady Liberty Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lady Liberty Peony bloom?

Lady Liberty Peony typically blooms in late spring to early summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lady Liberty Peony need full sun?

Lady Liberty Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Lady Liberty Peony with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.