Paeonia 'Cora Louise'

Paeonia 'Cora Louise' – A Stunning Display of Ivory and Lavender

Discover the serene beauty of Paeonia 'Cora Louise', an exquisite Itoh hybrid peony that brings a delicate interplay of colors to any garden setting. Named after the hybridizer’s grandmother, this peony captivates with its large, semi-double blooms of white infused with soft lavender centers, offering a peaceful yet striking floral display.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Grows to a refined height of about 75 cm, making it a perfect mid-border plant.
• Spread: Reaches a spread of around 90 cm, filling the space with lush foliage and ample blooms.
• Flower Colour: Features large, semi-double blooms that open a pristine white and mature to reveal a subtle blush of lavender at the center, radiating outwards. The blooms are complemented by a vibrant burst of golden-yellow stamens at their heart.
• Flowering Period: Produces a profusion of blooms from late spring to early summer, ensuring a dynamic and prolonged display in the garden.
• Foliage: Sports broad, green leaves characteristic of Itoh peonies, providing a robust backdrop that enhances the visibility of its lighter blooms.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for sun-drenched mornings and shaded afternoons in hotter climates.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that retains moisture but is not waterlogged, essential for optimal growth and blooming.

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Cora Louise' is an exceptional choice for mixed perennial borders, garden beds, and as a standout specimen in floral arrangements. Its striking blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden. This peony’s robust growth and disease resistance make it a low-maintenance option suited to a wide range of garden designs.

Companion Plants: Enhance the ethereal blooms of 'Cora Louise' with companion plants that offer contrasting colors and textures:

• Dark foliage plants like Heuchera 'Obsidian' or Ajuga: The deep tones of these plants create a dramatic backdrop that makes the ivory and lavender blooms pop.
• Blue flowering perennials, such as Delphinium or Nepeta: These provide a cool color contrast that complements the subtle lavender hues of the peony.
• Silver foliage plants like Artemisia or Dusty Miller: Silver leaves reflect light and emphasize the delicate colors of the peony’s flowers, adding brightness to the garden.

Care Instructions: Plant 'Cora Louise' in a location that provides adequate sunlight and good soil drainage to prevent root diseases. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, and apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy foliage and abundant flowering. Staking may be necessary to support the large blooms, particularly in windy locations.

History: 'Cora Louise' is one of the celebrated Itoh hybrids, which combine the best qualities of tree and herbaceous peonies. Developed by crossing Paeonia lactiflora with a tree peony, these hybrids are known for their durability, exceptional bloom size, and color range. 'Cora Louise' has quickly become a favorite for its unique coloring and robust nature since its introduction.

Final Thoughts: Paeonia 'Cora Louise' offers a blend of subtle elegance and strong garden performance, making it a cherished addition to any peony collection. With its beautiful, serene blooms and graceful habit, this peony cultivar invites admiration and tranquility into the garden, creating a soothing retreat filled with floral splendor.