• Description

Characteristics

Paeonia lactiflora ‘Ann Cousins’ does not merely bloom—it unfurls. Its double white blossoms, densely layered and perfectly rounded, seem carved from silk and carry a rich, heady fragrance that lingers in the early summer air. Upright and dignified, the stems extend close to 95 cm, holding each bloom with structural elegance. ‘Ann Cousins’ is not just a visual asset—it’s a workhorse cultivar, prized for its stem length, vase life, and undeniable presence on the florist’s table.

Origin Ann Cousins Peony

Introduced in the United States in the 1930s, ‘Ann Cousins’ quickly secured a place in the peony canon. As a member of the Paeonia lactiflora group—native to eastern Asia—this variety blends heritage with horticultural performance. It has since become a staple in white peony cultivation, celebrated for its fragrance, durability, and visual purity. In both private collections and field-scale cut flower production, it continues to deliver on beauty and consistency.

LACTIFLORA

Lactiflora peonies are the backbone of many cultivation programmes due to their resilience, abundant blooms, and suitability for temperate climates. These herbaceous perennials produce symmetrical, fragrant flowers with long post-harvest stability. ‘Ann Cousins’ exemplifies this legacy—clean in colour, generous in form, and reliable under field conditions. Ideal for landscape design, wedding floristry, or as a collector’s item in curated plantings.

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How to plant

What follows are the steps for planting Ann Cousins peony roots:
Peonies flourish in locations with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day and has organic-rich soil. Create a hole that is 30 cm (12 inches) broad and 10 cm (4 inches) deep. To boost soil fertility, loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole with a garden fork or spade and mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. Remove any stones or trash and break up any clumps. Insert the peony root into the hole so that the eyes (or growth buds) face up and are no more than 5 cm (2 inches) below the soil surface. Backfill the hole with dirt, gently firming it down to remove any air pockets. Thoroughly water the newly planted peony root to help settle the dirt around the roots. Soak the soil around the plant using a watering can or hose, being careful not to wash it away. Mulch the plant’s base with a 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inch) layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw.

Order ANN COUSINS peony in bulk

Do you want to order a large quantity of Ann Cousins peonies? Please don’t hesitate to contact us via email or phone. Would you like to discover our entire collection? Check our manifold range of peonies.

Roots assortment

ANN COUSINS

  • Colour:White
  • Peony type:Lactiflora
  • Flower shape:Double
  • Blooming period:Very late
  • Productivity:Normal
  • Length:Normal
  • Side buds:Yes
  • Category:standard
  • Introduction year:1946
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What makes us unique

Groot & Groot Peonies is a Dutch family business, peonies are our passion. We grow, process and directly sell peony flowers and roots of the highest quality. The vast majority of our peonies are grown on our own farms in The Netherlands, Italy, France and South-Africa. That way we can deliver you the best fresh peonies directly from our production fields in relatively large quantities.