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Paeonia 'Madame de Verneville'
Madame de Verneville Peony
Garden hybrid; bred by Crousse, France, 1885
Overview
Paeonia 'Madame de Verneville' is a heritage French peony in the Paeoniaceae family bred by Crousse in 1885, growing 28-34 inches (70-85 cm) tall and wide. Bomb-type double flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) across have white guard petals surrounding a high, rounded dome of densely packed inner petals. The center petals often show a soft blush-pink flush, and occasional crimson flecks (small red marks) appear randomly among the white inner petals — these crimson flecks are a heritage trait, considered a mark of character rather than a defect. The strong sweet fragrance carries powerfully — comparable in intensity to 'Madame Calot' and stronger than most white peonies. Early bloom timing — among the first lactiflora peonies to flower, often opening at the same time as 'Madame Calot'. The combination of early bloom, powerful fragrance, and the crimson-flecked white bomb form has kept this cultivar in production for over 135 years. The bomb form creates a dense, rounded bloom that sits atop the bush like a white snowball. Dark green glossy compound foliage. Same care as all herbaceous peonies. Can live 50+ years. Mildly toxic.
Native Range
Garden peonies derive from Paeonia lactiflora. 'Madame de Verneville' was bred by Crousse, France, 1885.Suggested Uses
Used in heritage gardens, fragrance gardens, cottage gardens, and near seating areas. The crimson-flecked white bomb form is a conversation piece. The powerful fragrance is the primary garden asset. Pairs with 'Madame Calot' for a heritage French peony combination.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'4" - 2'10"
Width/Spread2'4" - 2'10"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Flowering in May to early June, approximately 2 weeks. Early bloom timing. White bomb-type doubles with blush center and crimson flecks. Powerful fragrance.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with a blush-pink center and occasional crimson flecks, bomb-type doubleFoliage Description
Dark green, deeply divided, glossy compoundGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Well-drained, humus-rich soil. Eyes no more than 2 inches (5 cm) deep. A peony ring supports the heavy bomb flowers. Spent heads are removed. Foliage stays in place until frost. Mildly toxic.Pruning
Spent flower heads are removed. All stems are cut to ground level in late October-November.Pruning Schedule
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