Peony 'Inspecteur Lavergne'

Peony ‘Inspecteur Lavergne’ is a clump-forming herbaceous peony with dark green divided leaves and fragrant, fully double flowers in deep pink-red tones. It makes an early-summer accent in a perennial border and also provides stems for cutting. ## Size and Siting The Royal Horticultural Society lists this named cultivar at 0.5–1 m tall and wide, with a more specific description of plants reaching about 90 cm. Give the clump room to mature in full sun or partial shade. Deep, fertile soil that holds moisture while draining freely supports strong flowering; clay, loam, and sandy soils are listed as suitable. ## Seasonal Interest The large blooms open in early summer above the divided foliage. The RHS describes the flowers as fully double, dark pinky-red, and fragrant. The plant is deciduous, so its foliage dies back in autumn and returns the following spring. ## Maintenance Peonies are long-lived and resent disturbance, so choose a permanent position. Remove fading flowers, then cut back foliage as it dies down in autumn. Stems may need support when carrying large blooms. [RHS: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Inspecteur Lavergne’](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/51794/paeonia-lactiflora-inspecteur-lavergne/details)