Paeonia 'Felix Crousse'

Paeonia 'Felix Crousse': Crimson Classic with Lasting Flair

Velvety and exuberant, Paeonia 'Felix Crousse' commands attention with its full, double blooms in rich cherry-red. Each blossom is densely packed with ruffled petals that glow in the sun, exuding old-world charm and a light, sweet fragrance. Blooming in early summer, this heirloom cultivar brings bold colour and timeless elegance to traditional garden designs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 85–95 cm
• Spread: 80–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep cherry-red; fully double with a ruffled form
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-summer
• Foliage: Glossy green, bushy and upright
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained, loamy soil; tolerates clay if not soggy

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'Felix Crousse' is perfect for classic perennial borders, formal beds, and foundation plantings. Its saturated colour makes it a natural focal point, while its strong stems and longevity in bloom recommend it for cutting gardens as well. Pollinators are drawn to the early-season display, and deer tend to avoid it, making this old-fashioned beauty as practical as it is ornamental.

Companion Plants: Pair Paeonia 'Felix Crousse' with Geranium 'Max Frei', whose magenta-pink blooms and tidy habit harmonize with the peony’s bold colouring while offering a softer contrast in form. Add Salvia 'Bumbleberry' for spires of vivid rose-purple that attract pollinators and bloom through summer. Complete the planting with Miscanthus 'Morning Light', a graceful grass with fine, silvery foliage that sways gently and frames the composition with texture and light.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or light shade with rich, well-drained soil. Space plants to allow airflow and avoid fungal issues. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first season. Deadhead to extend visual appeal and cut back stems after frost. Peonies prefer not to be moved, but if division is needed, do so in autumn once the plant is dormant.

History: Paeonia 'Felix Crousse' was introduced in 1881 by French breeder Félix Crousse and has remained a garden favourite for over a century. Its combination of saturated colour, classic form, and reliable flowering makes it a beloved choice for both heritage gardens and modern landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Vibrant, enduring, and rich with character, Paeonia 'Felix Crousse' brings a bold romanticism to the early summer garden—an heirloom beauty with timeless appeal.