Paeonia Madame de Verneville Peony
Best fragrant heirloom shrub for gardeners seeking classic, deer-resistant floral displays.
Experience heirloom elegance with the Paeonia Madame de Verneville Peony, a distinguished variety since 1885. This peony boasts large, fully double blooms in a captivating creamy white with delicate soft pink flecks and subtle crimson speckling, arranged in a classic rose-style form. Its rich, traditional fragrance adds an aromatic dimension to its visual appeal. Growing into a bushy 36-inch mound on strong stems, it's perfect for cutting and garden display, bringing timeless beauty to any landscape.
$25.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-34%
Below average
Genus
Paeonia
/ Paeonia
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking fragrant blooms for outdoor living spaces
- Designers wanting sophisticated, color-shifting floral displays
- Homeowners looking for low-maintenance, long-term garden investments
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners needing immediate, full-scale floral results
- Gardeners in humid climates prone to fungal plant diseases
- Gardeners wanting a hands-off, no-staking plant experience
Performance breakdown
Fragrance potency
Classic, heavy perfume that fills the garden with traditional floral notes.
Cut flower longevity
Strong stems and dense petals make these ideal for indoor arrangements.
Landscape versatility
Compact mound shape fits perfectly into borders or as standalone accents.
Maintenance ease
Reliable perennial performance with minimal fuss once established in the soil.
Pest resistance
Natural deer resistance protects your investment from common garden wildlife.
Visual impact
Heirloom rose-style blooms offer a sophisticated, high-end aesthetic for landscapes.
Key Specs
Genus
Paeonia
Species
lactiflora
Item Form
Bareroot
Mature Height
3 feet
Mature Width
3 feet
Hardiness Zones
3 - 8
Bloom Start
Late Spring
Growth Habit
Shrub
Features
- Heirloom variety dating back to 1885
- Large, fully double blooms with rose-style form
- Rich and classic fragrance
- Ideal for cut flowers
- Deer resistant and easy care
- Brings timeless aesthetic to landscapes
- Blooms in creamy white with soft pink flecks
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and reliable performance of the Madame de Verneville Peony. Reviewers frequently note receiving robust, healthy root stock that establishes quickly and thrives. The primary aesthetic appeal centers on the stunning, large white blooms which offer a delightful fragrance and strong stems, making them excellent for cutting. While peonies require patience, buyers feel the eventual display of classic, creamy white flowers delivers outstanding garden value, confirming this variety as a highly desirable, long term investment.
Know before you buy
Plant your bareroot in well-drained, loamy soil during the spring or fall. Ensure the 'eyes' or buds are positioned no more than two inches below the soil surface, as planting them too deep can prevent the plant from blooming.
Madame de Verneville is known for its strong stems, which generally hold the large, double blooms upright without assistance. However, if you live in an area with heavy spring rains or high winds, a simple peony hoop can provide extra support.
For the best bloom production, this peony prefers a location with full sun, ideally receiving at least six to eight hours of direct light daily. In warmer climates, some light afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from heat stress.
Yes, peonies are generally unpalatable to deer and rabbits, making them a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, this variety is rarely targeted.
Absolutely. This variety is highly prized for its classic rose-style form and rich fragrance, making it an excellent choice for cut flowers. For the longest vase life, cut the stems when the buds are soft and just beginning to show color.
As a perennial, this peony will establish itself over the first few seasons. You can expect it to reach its mature size of 3 feet by 3 feet within three to five years of planting.
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$26