Cora Louise

Availability available early May

Peony 'Cora Louise' photo by Suzanne Patry
Peony 'Cora Louise' photo by Suzanne Patry

Itoh Peony 'Cora Louise' has large, semi-double, lightly fragrant blush to white blossoms with striking dark lavender central flares. It is an exceptionally vigourous plant producing up to 50 blooms in a single season. The strong stems hold the blooms up and no staking is required. It is a fantastic performer in our display garden.

  • Height: 60-70 cm (23-27 in)
  • Spread: 75-90 cm (29-35 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: zone 3
  • Sun or Shade: full sun
  • Bloom Colour: white petals with deep lavender to purple flares
  • Bloom Time: June
  • Flower Form: single to semi double
  • Leaf Colour: dark green
  • Fragrance: mildly fragrant

Growing and Maintenance Tips

'Cora Louise' is an intersectional hybrid also known as an Itoh Peony. It should be planted with the eyes 3.5 to 5 cms below ground level. If the eyes have begun to grow they may stick up above the ground. All peonies are heavy feeders and grow best in rich, well drained soil that has been amended with compost. An annual top dressing of compost will help to keep them blooming well. A location in full sun to afternoon shade is ideal. Too much shade will make the plants lanky and bloom production will be affected. While the stems are woody this peony does die almost to the ground in the fall. When winters are mild buds may sprout part way up the stems so we recommend cutting the plants back in the spring after the new growth has started. Unlike tree peonies there is no graft so this plant can be divided after a few years although we recomend leaving the plant to increase into an impressive clump.