Fieldstone Gardens Paeonia lactiflora Felix Crousse

A bomb-type peony features a dense, rounded center of smaller, ruffled petals surrounded by a ring of larger, flatter guard petals. This creates a full, voluminous look that is particularly striking in both garden beds and floral arrangements.

This variety is highly adaptable and hardy, thriving in USDA zones 3 through 9. As long as you provide full sun and well-draining soil, it is a reliable performer across a wide range of temperatures.

While 'Felix Crousse' is known for being vigorous, the heavy, double blooms can sometimes cause the stems to lean, especially after heavy rain. Using a peony hoop or support ring early in the spring is recommended to keep the stems upright and the flowers off the ground.

Once the flowers fade, deadhead the spent blooms to keep the plant tidy. Leave the foliage intact throughout the summer and fall, as the leaves are essential for gathering energy for next year's growth; you can cut the foliage back to the ground only after the first hard frost.

Yes, they are excellent for cut flower arrangements. Their strong stems and fragrant, long-lasting blooms make them a classic choice for vases, though it is best to cut them when the buds are soft and marshmallow-like to maximize their vase life.