'Elsa Sass' has mid-green leaves, and late in the season, produces large, double white flowers with pink-blushed centers. Peonies are herbaceous perrenials arising from thickened tuberous roots.

Plant peony tubers in the fall, 1 to 2 inches deep, in well prepared garden beds, with organic matter worked in. They respond well to a yearly fertilization, and addition of bonemeal. It is best to leave them undisturbed, dividing them infrequently. Botyritus can be a problem during humid spells. Peonies are one of the longest living hebaceous perrenials often found in older gardens, for once established they will survive neglect. One hundred year old peonies are not uncommon.