peony 'Auguste Dessert'

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 for further information.

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

Propagate by division in autumn or early spring

Can be affected by leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth caterpillar

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