'Do Tell' Peony

‘Do Tell’ Peony – Care Guide

Overview

The ‘Do Tell’ Peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Do Tell’) is a beloved Japanese-style herbaceous peony known for its soft shell-pink outer petals and a fluffy, frilly center of pink and gold staminodes. Elegant and romantic, it brings a light, airy charm to perennial beds and is a standout in both gardens and vases.

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Do Tell’
• Common Name: Do Tell Peony
• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Peony Type: Japanese form
• Hardiness Zones: 3–8
• Height: 30–36 inches (75–90 cm)
• Spread: 24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
• Bloom Time: Mid-season bloomer (around early to mid-June in Zone 3)
• Flower Color: Light shell-pink guard petals with a center of fuchsia-pink and gold
• Fragrance: Light to moderate, sweet
• Foliage: Glossy dark green, excellent texture and fall color

Sun Requirements

• Thrives in full sun (6+ hours/day)
• Tolerates light shade, but fewer blooms will form

Soil Needs

• Prefers rich, well-drained, loamy soil
• Amend with compost or aged manure before planting
• pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)
• Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot

Watering Needs

• Moderate: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in spring and early summer
• Water at soil level — avoid wetting the foliage
• Reduce watering once flowering is finished

Planting & Spacing

• Best planted in fall (September in Zone 3), or spring from potted plants
• Space 3 feet apart for air circulation and room to mature
• Plant with buds (eyes) 1–2 inches below the soil surface in Zone 3 — deeper planting delays or prevents blooming

Maintenance

• Low-maintenance and long-lived
• Stake or support in windy or wet areas — blooms are large and can flop
• Deadhead spent blooms to tidy up
• In fall, cut stems and leaves to the ground and remove debris to prevent disease
• Apply mulch in late fall in colder zones, but remove it in early spring

Fertilizing

• Spring feeding: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or top dress with compost as new growth emerges
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers — too much leaf, not enough bloom

Pests & Diseases

• Generally pest- and disease-free
• May occasionally experience:
  • Botrytis blight (gray mold) in wet or crowded conditions
  • Thrips or ants (ants are attracted to nectar but don’t harm the plant)
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering

Wildlife & Companion Benefits

• Attracts bees and other pollinators
• Ants are often seen on buds — they don’t harm the plant
• Deer and rabbit resistant

Garden Uses

• Perfect for:
  • Cottage gardens
  • Perennial borders
  • Cutting gardens
  • Foundation plantings
• Excellent cut flower — lasts well in the vase

Special Notes

• ‘Do Tell’ is an award-winning peony, recipient of the American Peony Society Gold Medal
• Adds a unique texture and color to any collection, especially mixed with double or bomb-type peonies