White Sarah Bernhardt Herbaceous Peony Bare Root | Double White Blooms

Bring classic peony beauty to the garden with White Sarah Bernhardt Peony, a herbaceous peony known for its large, fully double white flowers and softly ruffled petals.

This is a separate white-flowering cultivar and should not be confused with the traditional pink Sarah Bernhardt Peony. Its flowers open in soft white to creamy-white tones and may show a faint blush or touch of yellow near the centre as they mature.

Paeonia lactiflora ‘White Sarah Bernhardt’ forms a medium to tall, bushy clump with attractive green foliage. Its large blooms, mild fragrance and strong stems make it an excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, feature plantings and fresh flower arrangements.

White Sarah Bernhardt is a herbaceous perennial, naturally dying back during winter before returning with fresh growth in spring.

Availability Note

This item is ready now.

It is supplied as a dormant bare-root peony packed in peat. Dormant roots may have little or no visible top growth when dispatched.

Images shown are examples only. Flower colour, size and form may vary slightly depending on maturity, climate and growing conditions.

Orders containing other pre-order products will be held and dispatched together once all items are ready.

Features

• White Sarah Bernhardt Peony
• Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘White Sarah Bernhardt’
• Herbaceous peony variety
• Large, fully double flowers
• Soft white to creamy-white blooms
• May show a faint blush or soft yellow centre
• Ruffled, bowl-shaped flower form
• Mild, pleasant fragrance
• Strong stems for a lactiflora peony
• Height approximately 80–90cm
• Excellent cut flower variety
• Attractive green foliage
• Long-lived clump-forming perennial
• Frost hardy once established
• Supplied as a dormant bare root packed in peat
• Ready now

Important Climate Note

White Sarah Bernhardt is best suited to cool and cool-temperate Australian climates, where it receives sufficient winter chill.

It performs particularly well in areas of Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, South Australia and cooler parts of New South Wales and Queensland.

Flowering may be less reliable in warm coastal, subtropical or tropical areas. Gardeners in warmer regions should choose the coolest available position with morning sun, afternoon shade and protection from intense summer heat.

Peonies may take 2–3 years to settle and flower reliably, particularly after being planted as dormant bare roots.

Planting & Care

Plant White Sarah Bernhardt Peony in full sun to part shade. Full sun is generally best in cooler climates, while light afternoon shade can be beneficial in warmer or exposed gardens.

Choose fertile, free-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. Avoid locations where water sits around the roots, as peonies do not tolerate prolonged waterlogging.

Position the root with the buds or eyes facing upwards. Cover the buds with only approximately 2–3cm of soil.

Do not plant herbaceous peonies deeply. Planting the buds too far below the soil surface is a common cause of poor flowering.

Allow approximately 60–100cm between plants, depending on whether they are being grown closely for cut flowers or given more room for long-term garden development.

Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture while the plant establishes and during active spring growth. Allow excess water to drain freely.

Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced fertiliser. A second light application after flowering can help replenish the root for the following season.

The stems are reasonably strong, but the large double flowers may still benefit from a peony ring or support during heavy rain or windy weather.

Remove spent flowers after blooming, but leave the foliage in place while it remains green. The leaves continue feeding the underground root for the following year.

Once the foliage has naturally yellowed and died back in autumn, cut the stems down close to ground level and remove the old material.

Flowering Time

White Sarah Bernhardt generally flowers in mid to late spring.

In suitable Australian climates, flowering is commonly around October to November, depending on winter chill, location and seasonal conditions.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘White Sarah Bernhardt’
Common Name: White Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Supplied As: Dormant bare-root peony packed in peat
Flower Colour: Soft white to creamy white, sometimes with faint blush or yellow tones
Flower Form: Large, fully double blooms
Fragrance: Mild to delicately fragrant
Height: Approximately 80–90cm
Spread: Approximately 60–80cm once established
Flowering Time: Mid to late spring, commonly October to November
Aspect: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Fertile, free-draining soil
Planting Depth: Buds approximately 2–3cm below soil level
Spacing: Approximately 60–100cm apart
Watering: Moderate; maintain moisture without waterlogging
Frost Tolerance: Frost hardy
Climate: Best suited to cool and cool-temperate climates
Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, perennial beds, feature clumps and cut flowers
Availability: Ready now

Pet Safety Note

Peony plant material can be harmful if eaten by pets. Keep the roots, foliage and flowers away from cats, dogs and other animals if ingestion is a concern.

FAQ

Is White Sarah Bernhardt the same as the pink Sarah Bernhardt Peony?

No. White Sarah Bernhardt is a separate white-flowering cultivar. The traditional Sarah Bernhardt produces pink flowers.

What colour are the flowers?

The flowers are generally soft white to creamy white. Some blooms may show a faint blush or a subtle yellow tone near the centre.

Is White Sarah Bernhardt fragrant?

Yes. It generally produces a mild or delicate fragrance.

How tall does it grow?

White Sarah Bernhardt generally reaches approximately 80–90cm tall once established.

When does it flower in Australia?

In suitable climates, it generally flowers around October to November, although timing can vary by region and season.

Does it require winter chill?

Yes. Herbaceous peonies require winter chill to grow and flower reliably.

Can it grow in warmer climates?

It performs best in cool and cool-temperate areas. It may be attempted in warmer regions in a cool, protected position, but flowering can be less reliable.

Can it grow in a pot?

Yes, but use a large, deep container with excellent drainage. The plant must still receive sufficient winter chill, and long-term garden planting is generally more reliable.

How deep should I plant the root?

Position the buds facing upwards and cover them with only 2–3cm of soil. Do not plant deeply.

How far apart should peonies be planted?

Allow approximately 60–100cm between plants, depending on the intended use and available space.

Does it need support?

Its stems are generally strong, but support may be helpful when the large double flowers become wet or heavy.

Is it suitable for cut flowers?

Yes. White Sarah Bernhardt is an excellent cut flower, with large white blooms well suited to bouquets and floral arrangements.

Will it flower in its first year?

It may flower during its first season, but peonies can take 2–3 years to become properly established and produce their best display.

Does it die back during winter?

Yes. It is a herbaceous perennial and naturally dies back during winter before returning in spring.

What will I receive?

You will receive one dormant White Sarah Bernhardt Peony bare root packed in peat.

Is this product ready now?

Yes. This product is currently ready to order, subject to available stock.

What happens if my order includes a pre-order product?

Orders containing other pre-order products will be held and dispatched together once all products are ready.