Margaret Davis is an Australian cultivar discovered as a sport (chance variation) on the branches of another very old Australian variety (Aspasia Macarthur – 1850’s). This sport was chosen, propagated and named because it exhibited its own distinct characteristics.  Margaret Davis is distinguished from its parent by the bright pink margins to its creamy white peony form flowers. Margaret Davis retains the solid bushy growth and thick dark green leaves of its parent and has shown itself to be an excellent garden specimen over many decades.

Planting & initial care for Margaret Davis:

Margaret Davis is suitable for planting in both, full sun or lightly shaded positions.

If planting Margaret Davis as a hedge or screen we recommend planting with a spacing of between 1.0m to 2.0m apart.

Planting holes should be at least double the width and slightly deeper than the plant container and include a blend of composted material and existing topsoil. Raised beds are recommended for heavy clay soils.

Plant Margaret Davis so that the top of the potting mix is level with the finished soil line, firm down soil gently around the plant for stability and water in well.

Mulch the soil surface with about 5cm of quality mulch ensuring the mulch is not mounded against the plants trunk. (Place a very thin layer of mulch adjacent to the trunk and increase to maximum depth (5cm) as it radiates away from the root zone).

Margaret Davis will take several months and up to a year to establish in its new home depending on the time of year it is planted. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not overwatered. Watering can be reduced as the plant establishes.

Prune in early spring for shape as required (later pruning will reduce Autumn flowering).

Feed in spring with a quality general purpose fertiliser, this can be replenished in mid to late Summer as needed. 

For more information go to our full PLANTING AND CARE GUIDE