Paeonia lactiflora 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt'

Species

Paeonia lactifloraChinese Peony

52 other cultivars

perennial

Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt'

The Story

Plant Bio

Large, fragrant blooms with a double petal structure.

Named after the former First Lady, known for its large, soft pink flowers and exceptional fragrance.

Uses & Benefits:

Paeonia lactiflora offers stunning, fragrant blooms that add elegance to any garden setting, attracting admiration and pollinators.

Its robust blooms can be harvested for cut flower arrangements, extending garden beauty indoors.

Provides nectar for bees and butterflies, supporting local pollinator populations.

SpeciesPaeonia lactifloraChinese Peony

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Asia, Europe

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a well-drained, fertile spot with full sun or partial shade.
Tuck bare root peonies 2 inches deep in early spring or fall.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring and after blooming.
Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping during heavy blooms.

Pro Tip

Plant peonies in a sunny location with good air circulation for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
Support tall stems with stakes during heavy flowering
Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not plant too deep, as it can inhibit flowering
Refrain from disturbing mature plants unnecessarily
Avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent disease

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant flower borderPerennial garden centerpieceCut flower arrangement

Companion Plants

Lavender SalviaCatmint Coreopsis Delphinium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Peony questions

What zones can Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Peony grow in?

Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt 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 Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Peony deer resistant?

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

When does Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Peony bloom?

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

Does Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Peony need full sun?

Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.