Paeonia lactiflora 'Madame Emile Debatene'

Species

Paeonia lactifloraChinese Peony, Common Garden Peony

52 other cultivars

perennial

Madame Emile Debatene Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Madame Emile Debatene'

Same species

Species

Paeonia lactifloraChinese Peony, Common Garden Peony

52 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

34 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Decades with proper care

Native To

China

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Blooming in late spring, Peony 'Madame Emile Debatene' features large, fragrant, double blooms. Noted for its particularly lush and full blossoms which reach a striking size.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Paeonia lactiflora Madame Emile Debatene provides stunning, fragrant blooms that enhance garden aesthetics and attract pollinators.

Its cut flowers last long in arrangements, bringing beauty indoors.

Supports bees and other pollinators with early-season nectar.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a well-drained, fertile soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Plant peonies in early fall, spacing them 3 to 4 feet apart for good air circulation.
Tuck the roots 1 to 2 inches below soil surface, with eyes facing upward.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil and promote root growth.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, reapplying annually.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage robust blooms.

Pro Tip

Plant peonies in a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for best flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Apply a balanced fertilizer annually
Support heavy blooms with stakes if needed
Remove spent flowers 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
Do not plant too deep, which can hinder flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant perennial borderFragrant cut flower displaySoftening garden edges

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Hosta Ferns Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Madame Emile Debatene Peony questions

What zones can Madame Emile Debatene Peony grow in?

Madame Emile Debatene 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 Madame Emile Debatene Peony deer resistant?

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

When does Madame Emile Debatene Peony bloom?

Madame Emile Debatene 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 Madame Emile Debatene Peony need full sun?

Madame Emile Debatene Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.