Duchess De Nemours

Duchesse de Nemours Peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Duchesse de Nemours’)

Elegant, luminous, and timeless, Duchesse de Nemours is widely regarded as one of the finest white peonies ever introduced—and quite possibly the whitest. Bred by French hybridizer Calot in 1856, this historic cultivar has enjoyed more than 150 years of enduring popularity and remains an aristocrat among garden peonies.

Its large, 5–6 inch, fully double blooms open in a gracefully cupped form, with pristine white outer guard petals surrounding a dense heart of ruffled inner petals. A soft yellow glow at the base adds warmth and dimension, giving the blossom a radiant, almost luminous quality. Blooming in the early to mid-season (late spring to early summer), the flowers are borne on strong, upright stems that hold them beautifully above the foliage.

Celebrated as one of the most fragrant white peonies available, Duchesse de Nemours offers a rich, classic peony perfume and is frequently listed among the top ten most fragrant varieties. Its sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make it exceptional for cutting—especially for bridal bouquets and elegant floral arrangements.

Growing approximately 34–36 inches tall and about 3 feet wide, this herbaceous perennial forms a handsome mound of deep green, cut foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. Hardy in Zones 3–8, it requires winter chilling for best flowering and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. It is also deer-resistant and notably long-lived, with plants capable of thriving for generations.

A recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, Duchesse de Nemours continues to set the standard for white peonies more than a century and a half after its introduction.