Paeonia 'Catharina Fontijn'

Paeonia 'Catharina Fontijn': Blush Perfection with Classic Grace

Soft and elegant, Paeonia 'Catharina Fontijn' unfurls its perfectly shaped double blooms in delicate shades of shell pink that fade to near-white as they mature. The flowers are densely petalled, almost sculptural, and lightly scented—evoking a sense of old-world romance from their first appearance in late spring. Held on strong stems above rich green foliage, each bloom is a gentle masterpiece.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 85–95 cm
• Spread: 80–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Pale pink, fading to blush white; fully double
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Glossy, deep green, deeply lobed foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Catharina Fontijn' brings refined beauty to borders, mixed perennial beds, and cutting gardens. Its pale tones harmonize with both pastel and bold schemes, while its full, rounded shape lends softness and structure to planting compositions. Ideal for wedding gardens or classical designs, it also performs reliably in cold climates and returns year after year with increasing vigour and bloom count.

Companion Plants: Pair Paeonia 'Catharina Fontijn' with Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas', a compact, sun-loving perennial with soft lavender-blue blooms that attract pollinators and bloom alongside peonies. Add the airy vertical texture of Salvia 'Pink Profusion', whose warm pink spires echo the peony’s blush tones and flower over an extended period. For contrast and graceful movement, include Calamagrostis 'Avalanche', a sun-tolerant ornamental grass with narrow variegated blades and upright habit that blends seamlessly into refined perennial borders.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or part shade in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Ensure buds are positioned just below the soil surface to encourage blooming. Water during dry spells and mulch annually to retain moisture. Deadhead after flowering and cut back foliage in fall. Peonies dislike disturbance and may take a season or two to settle but will thrive in the same location for decades once established.

History: Paeonia 'Catharina Fontijn' is a treasured Dutch cultivar introduced in the 1950s, named after the breeder’s daughter. It has earned lasting popularity for its flawless form, soft colouring, and reliable performance, remaining a favourite among gardeners and floral designers alike.

Final Thoughts: Timeless and luminous, Paeonia 'Catharina Fontijn' offers a gentle touch of elegance in every petal. It's a perennial poem—quiet, refined, and endlessly lovely in the spring garden.