Claire de Lune Peony

‘Claire de Lune’ (Paeonia x lemoinei ‘Claire de Lune’) is a hybrid peony (a cross between herbaceous and species peonies) treasured for its elegant, creamy ivory to pale lemon-yellow petals surrounding a golden cluster of stamens. It has a simple, open single-flower form, excellent fragrance, and a light, airy habit. This cultivar is an early-season bloomer, making it one of the first peonies to flower — a must-have for extending your peony season.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Paeonia x lemoinei ‘Claire de Lune’

• Common Name: Claire de Lune Peony

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial

• Peony Type: Single, early hybrid

• Hardiness Zones: 3–8

• Height: 24–30 inches (60–75 cm)

• Spread: 24–30 inches (60–75 cm)

• Bloom Time: Early spring (typically late May to early June in Zone 3)

• Flower Color: Soft lemon yellow to creamy white with golden-yellow stamens

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet and citrusy

• Foliage: Fine-textured, deeply cut dark green leaves with a ferny look

Sun Requirements

• Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day)

• Tolerates light shade, especially in hot summers

Soil Needs

• Needs well-drained, fertile soil

• Enrich with compost or aged manure prior to planting

• Avoid soggy or compacted soils

• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)

Watering Needs

• Water moderately — keep soil evenly moist during active growth

• Reduce watering once flowering is complete and summer heat sets in

• Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage

Planting & Spacing

• Plant in fall (best in September for Zone 3) or early spring from potted stock

• Set eyes (buds) 1–2 inches below soil surface

• Spacing: 2–3 feet apart to allow air flow and mature growth

Maintenance

• Deadhead spent blooms to maintain appearance

• Leave foliage intact until it yellows in fall — it stores energy for next year

• Cut stems to the ground after frost

• Apply mulch after the ground freezes in Zone 3 for winter protection, and remove in spring

Fertilizing

• Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring

• Optionally top-dress with compost in spring

• Avoid excessive nitrogen

Pests & Diseases

• Generally disease- and pest-resistant

• May experience:

  • Botrytis in wet conditions — space plants well and avoid overhead watering

  • Thrips or aphids in early growth stages

Wildlife & Companion Benefits

• Pollinator-friendly – attracts bees early in the season

• Ants on buds are harmless

• Deer and rabbit resistant

• Companion plants:

  • Spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils)

  • Iris

  • Columbine

  • Bleeding heart (Dicentra)

  • Early alliums

Garden Uses

• Rock gardens and borders

• Woodland edges

• Cottage gardens

• Early-season interest in peony beds

• Excellent in cut flower arrangements with a light fragrance

Special Notes

• Claire de Lune is one of the earliest peonies to bloom, often weeks before traditional varieties

• The single flower form makes it a favorite among pollinators and naturalistic garden designs

• Rare and sought-after — adds elegance and subtle color to any peony collection