peony 'Doctor Alexander Fleming'

Best in a deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. May need support (see staking perennials). Long-lived but resents disturbance. See herbaceous peony cultivation

Remove dead flowers as they fade, then cut back plant as the foliage dies down in autumn

Propagate by division in autumn or early spring

May be attacked by leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth caterpillar

May be subject to a virus, honey fungus and peony wilt