
Description
Shirley Temple Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a beloved herbaceous variety known for its soft shell-pink blooms that gradually fade to creamy white. Its large, double blossoms form intricate whorls that rest on sturdy stems above a compact bush, making it ideal for bouquets and elegant garden displays. Flowering mid-season (October–November), it brings charm, fragrance, and structure to cool-climate Australian gardens.
🌿 Key Features
• Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’
• Bloom Colour: Shell-pink to white, double form
• Height: 60–100 cm
• Flower Time: October–November
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water-Wise: Yes, once established
• Fragrance: Light to moderate scent
• Supplied As: Bare-root tuber in peat (June–August)
• End Uses: Cut flowers, garden borders, perennial clumps
• Zones: Suitable for Zones 1, 2, 3 (cool climates in VIC, TAS, SA, ACT, southern NSW)
🌼 Why You Should Buy
• Produces beautifully layered, two-toned blooms
• Excellent for cutting and flower arrangements
• Compact growth ideal for tight garden spaces
• Hardy, frost-tolerant and easy to manage once established
• A romantic centrepiece for cottage and formal gardens
🌱 Peony – Herbaceous: Growing Guide
Herbaceous peonies are perennial shrubs that grow from tuberous roots. They bloom in single, double, or semi-double forms and are often highly fragrant. Plants mature to about 1 metre in height and may take 2–3 years to bloom reliably after planting.
• Soil: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH ~7.0); enrich with blood & bone or compost at planting
• Planting Depth: Shoots should sit no deeper than 5 cm below the surface
• Spacing: Allow ~1 m between plants for air flow and growth
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade; best performance in cool climates
• Feeding: Use balanced fertiliser in early spring and late autumn
• Watering: Moderate; regular in summer but not waterlogged
• Winter Chill: Essential—avoid mulching over winter; plant in exposed areas
• Pruning: Cut stems to 10 cm in autumn before leaf drop to avoid botrytis
• Dividing: Only when needed, in winter dormancy; keep roots moist after lifting
• Container Growing: Possible but challenging—requires deep pots, winter chill, and heavy feeding
❓ FAQs
Can I grow this in a container?
Yes, but only with deep pots, rich soil, and consistent winter cooling.
When does it flower in Australia?
Expect blooms in mid to late spring, typically October to November.
Does it tolerate frost?
Absolutely—these peonies prefer and perform best with cold exposure.
What soil is best?
Well-drained, fertile soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Do I need to stake the blooms?
Yes, especially to keep stems upright during full bloom.