General description
'Sarah Bernhardt' is an herbaceous perennial to 90cm with divided foliage, erect stems bearing fragrant, pale rose-pink double flowers 20cm in width, with ruffled inner petals.
Plant requirements
Sunlight
Full sun
Part shade
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing or West-facing
Sheltered
Cultivation
Best in a deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. May need support. Best to put in stakes with twine as the stems are growing in the early spring.
Soil
Moist but well-drained
Acid, Alkaline or Neutral
Clay, Loam, Chalk or Sand
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or early spring
Maintenance
Pruning
Remove dead flowers as they fade, then cut back plant after the foliage has died down in autumn
Pests
Can get leaf and bud eelworms and caterpillars
Diseases
May be subject to a virus,honey fungus and peony wilt
Practical use
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Cottage/Informal Garden, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of Roses and Shrubs or Cut Flowers