Paeonia 'White Wings'

Paeonia 'White Wings': Pure Simplicity in Motion

Airy and serene, Paeonia 'White Wings' offers a striking yet understated presence in the garden with its simple, single white blooms and bright golden stamens. The delicate, slightly cupped petals catch the light like fine silk, fluttering gently in the breeze atop strong, slender stems. Blooming early in the season, it brings elegance and clarity to spring plantings with a natural, effortless grace.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 80–90 cm
• Spread: 75–85 cm
• Flower Colour: Pure white with a golden-yellow centre; single form
• Flowering Period: Late spring
• Foliage: Medium green, divided, upright and tidy
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; avoid heavy clay unless amended

Uses and Benefits: Paeonia 'White Wings' is ideal for naturalistic borders, cottage-style plantings, and pollinator-focused designs. Its open, single form provides easy access for bees in early spring, while its minimalist aesthetic blends beautifully with a wide range of perennials and grasses. The luminous blooms pair effortlessly with pastel or vibrant schemes, and its foliage remains fresh through the summer months, offering quiet structure after flowering.

Companion Plants: Combine Paeonia 'White Wings' with Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas', whose compact, violet-blue spikes contrast elegantly with the peony’s pure white flowers. Add Digitalis grandiflora for soft yellow spires that echo the peony’s golden centre while bringing vertical texture. Anchor the planting with Sporobolus heterolepsis, a fine-textured prairie grass that adds movement and a graceful silhouette through late summer and fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in a sunny to lightly shaded location with fertile, well-draining soil. Ensure the crown is positioned just below the soil surface. Water regularly during dry spells and apply a layer of mulch in early spring. Deadhead to maintain a tidy look, and cut stems to the ground in autumn. Like all peonies, 'White Wings' prefers to stay in place and will thrive for decades once settled.

History: Paeonia 'White Wings' is a long-standing heirloom cultivar, prized for its early bloom, pollinator-friendly form, and serene beauty. Its simplicity sets it apart from more ruffled varieties, making it a timeless choice for gardeners who favour elegance through restraint.

Final Thoughts: Light as air and full of quiet charm, Paeonia 'White Wings' drifts through the spring garden like a breath of calm—graceful, glowing, and always welcome.