Peony 'Moonstone'

Moonstone is a lactiflora peony introduced by Murawska in 1943. Its double blush-pink flowers are described by the [American Peony Society registry](https://americanpeonysociety.org/cultivars/peony-registry/moonstone/) as especially luminous in transmitted light; the [cultivar profile at Gardenia](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/paeonia-lactiflora-moonstone/1000) notes fragrance and petals that mature toward ivory. ### Placement Plant Moonstone in a sunny or partly shaded position with fertile, moisture-retentive soil that drains well. A sheltered perennial border gives the rounded flowers a calm backdrop and room for the clump to develop. Gardenia lists mature dimensions of about 30–36 inches tall and 24–30 inches wide, with flowering from late spring into early summer. The American Peony Society classifies it as midseason and records its Gold Medal award in 1959. ### Seasonal display Blush pink flowers provide a soft focal point in the peony season. Their translucent quality is particularly noticeable when light passes through the petals. Plant alongside cultivars with different bloom times to extend the garden’s peony display. ## Maintenance Water new plants through dry spells while they establish. Remove faded flowers, and cut the foliage to ground level after it dies back in fall. Peonies are long-lived and dislike disturbance, so choose a permanent location; divide only when propagation or renewal is needed.