Introduction
The peony flower is one of the few plants you can put in the ground today and expect your grandchildren to enjoy. Growers in Asia have raised these perennials for over 2,000 years. Some recorded plantings still bloom after a full century in the same spot. A peony planted today could outlive you, your children, and their children too.
I started growing peonies in my first perennial garden about 12 years ago with a single bare root from a neighbor. That one plant taught me more about patience than any other flower I've grown. It took 3 full years before it gave me a real peony bloom. But once it started, the show got better every single spring.
The peony industry has grown far bigger than most people realize. The global cut flower trade jumped from just 3 million stems in the late 1980s to 140 million stems across 20 countries. You can find many types of peonies on the market today. Herbaceous, tree, and Itoh hybrid forms each bring something different to your yard.
This guide covers everything you need to grow peonies well at home. You'll learn which varieties perform best and how to plant them the right way. We also cover seasonal care and tips for cutting stunning arrangements from your own garden.
8 Best Peony Varieties
I've tested dozens of peony cultivars over the years. These 8 peony varieties stood out above the rest. This list mixes herbaceous, tree, and Itoh types so you can find the best peonies for your garden. Several of these hold the Award of Landscape Merit from the American Peony Society.
You'll find fragrant peonies here along with strong performers for cutting and landscape use. The Sarah Bernhardt peony earned the top spot on this list. You won't find another cultivar with this much global popularity.
Sarah Bernhardt
- Bloom Type: Double-flowered herbaceous peony producing soft pink, densely layered petals with a light fragrance prized in weddings and floral arrangements worldwide.
- Growing Zones: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, making it one of the most widely adaptable peony cultivars available to home gardeners.
- Size: Reaches 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) tall with blooms measuring 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) across at full maturity.
- Best For: Cut flower gardens and bouquets, accounting for over 20 million stems sold annually in the global commercial flower trade.
- Care Notes: Requires full sun and well-drained soil with staking support since the heavy double blooms tend to bow stems after rainfall.
- Season: Blooms in late spring to early summer, extending the season when paired with early-blooming single and Japanese type peonies.
Coral Sunset
- Bloom Type: Semi-double herbaceous peony famous for its coral-orange buds that fade to soft peach and then creamy ivory over several days.
- Growing Zones: Performs well in USDA zones 3 through 8 with reliable bloom production even after harsh winters in northern regions.
- Size: Grows 2.5 to 3 feet (75 to 90 centimeters) tall with sturdy stems that seldom need staking despite blooms reaching 6 inches (15 centimeters) wide.
- Best For: Gardeners seeking unique color-shifting blooms and strong landscape presence with Award of Landscape Merit recognition from the American Peony Society.
- Care Notes: Plant in full sun with good air circulation and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen to preserve the vivid coral color in early blooms.
- Season: Blooms in mid-spring, offering a striking color bridge between early woodland peonies and later double-flowered varieties.
Bartzella
- Bloom Type: Intersectional Itoh hybrid producing large semi-double to double bright lemon-yellow blooms with subtle red flares at the petal base.
- Growing Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, handling heat better than most herbaceous peonies while tolerating cold northern winters.
- Size: Reaches 2.5 to 3 feet (75 to 90 centimeters) tall and wide, forming a dense rounded shrub shape with strong self-supporting stems.
- Best For: Gardeners wanting yellow peonies without the fussiness of tree peonies, as Itoh hybrids combine the best traits of both parent types.
- Care Notes: Requires well-drained soil and full sun but tolerates light afternoon shade in hotter climates without losing bloom quality.
- Season: Blooms in late spring with an extended flowering period compared to herbaceous types, often lasting 2 to 3 weeks.
Bowl of Beauty
- Bloom Type: Japanese-form herbaceous peony with deep rose-pink outer guard petals surrounding a dense center of creamy white petaloids.
- Growing Zones: Reliable performer in USDA zones 3 through 8 with consistent blooming year after year once established in the garden.
- Size: Grows 2.5 to 3 feet (75 to 90 centimeters) tall with blooms reaching 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) wide on sturdy stems.
- Best For: Pollinator gardens since Japanese-form peonies expose their centers more openly, giving bees easier access to pollen and nectar.
- Care Notes: Deadhead spent blooms to maintain plant vigor and prevent the development of gray mold during humid spring weather conditions.
- Season: Blooms in mid to late spring with a moderate fragrance that adds sensory appeal to border plantings and cottage garden settings.
Festiva Maxima
- Bloom Type: Double-flowered herbaceous peony producing pure white blooms with distinctive crimson flecks at the center that add visual depth and character.
- Growing Zones: Cold-hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, performing well in northern climates where many other perennials struggle.
- Size: Reaches 2.5 to 3 feet (75 to 90 centimeters) tall with large fragrant blooms spanning 5 to 7 inches (12 to 18 centimeters) across.
- Best For: Heritage gardens and traditional landscapes, as this cultivar dates back to 1851 and remains one of the most beloved white peonies worldwide.
- Care Notes: Provide peony ring supports before stems reach full height because heavy double blooms can cause stems to collapse after spring rain.
- Season: Blooms in early to mid spring with a strong sweet fragrance, making it a great choice for cutting and bringing indoors.
Pink Hawaiian Coral
- Bloom Type: Semi-double herbaceous peony opening with vibrant coral-pink petals that soften to a warm peach tone as the bloom matures.
- Growing Zones: Performs well in USDA zones 3 through 8 with Award of Landscape Merit recognition from the American Peony Society for garden reliability.
- Size: Grows 2.5 to 3 feet (75 to 90 centimeters) tall with sturdy stems and blooms reaching 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 centimeters) across.
- Best For: Gardeners seeking coral tones without the higher price tag of intersectional hybrids, offering tropical color in a hardy herbaceous package.
- Care Notes: Benefits from morning sun and afternoon air circulation to prevent botrytis blight during wet spring conditions.
- Season: Blooms in early to mid spring, providing one of the first bursts of warm color in the peony border before later varieties follow.
Scarlett O'Hara
- Bloom Type: Single-form herbaceous peony producing vivid red petals surrounding a prominent cluster of bright golden-yellow stamens in the center.
- Growing Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 with Award of Landscape Merit status confirming its outstanding garden performance over time.
- Size: Reaches 2.5 to 3 feet (75 to 90 centimeters) tall with strong upright stems that support 5 to 6 inch (12 to 15 centimeter) blooms without staking.
- Best For: Pollinator gardens and naturalistic plantings, as the single flower form provides full access to pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies.
- Care Notes: One of the easiest peonies to grow thanks to its strong stems and disease resistance, needing minimal care beyond fall cleanup.
- Season: Blooms in early to mid spring with a light sweet fragrance, offering one of the earliest peony displays in the garden each year.
Shimane Sedai
- Bloom Type: Tree peony producing large semi-double lavender-pink blooms with ruffled petals and a prominent central boss of golden stamens.
- Growing Zones: Grows in USDA zones 4 through 8 and reaches 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 centimeters) tall as a woody deciduous shrub with permanent structure.
- Size: Individual blooms can reach 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) across, among the largest of any peony type available to home gardeners.
- Best For: Specimen planting and focal points in mixed borders, where the woody structure provides year-round interest even after petals drop.
- Care Notes: Plant the graft union 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) below soil surface so the scion develops its own roots over time.
- Season: Blooms in mid spring before most herbaceous types, extending the total peony season when combined with late-blooming Itoh hybrids.
You'll get better results from modern cultivars like Bartzella and Coral Sunset than from older picks. They offer stronger disease resistance and sturdier stems. Pick 2 or 3 from this list that match your climate zone to get started.
Peony Types Compared
I spent my first year growing peonies confused about the types of peonies at the nursery. Each type grows in a different way and fills a different role in your garden. The table below breaks down the 4 main categories so you can pick the right match for your space, climate zone, and skill level.
The herbaceous peony is the most common type you'll see at garden centers. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall and dies back to the ground each winter. Tree peony forms a woody shrub that keeps its branches year round and can reach 3 to 7 feet. The intersectional peony, also called the Itoh hybrid, stays compact at 2 to 2.5 feet and blends the best traits of both. Woodland peony is the smallest and blooms first in early spring.
Breeders have created over 2,200 new cultivars since 1900, but only about 100 see use in the cut flower trade. For your home garden, the Itoh hybrid gives you the best of both worlds. You get big bold blooms on a compact plant that won't need staking or constant fussing.
Planting and Growing Peonies
Getting the basics right when you plant your peonies makes the difference between blooms and bare stems. I learned how to plant peonies the hard way after my first 3 bare root peonies failed to bloom for 2 years straight. The problem turned out to be planting depth, the single most common mistake new growers make.
Think of peony planting depth like a thermostat setting. Go too deep and your peony stays dormant with no flowers. Go too close to the surface and frost heaves push the roots right out of the ground. Peonies also need cold winter hours to trigger spring blooming, which is why they struggle in warm southern climates. Fall planting gives your bare root peonies the best start because roots settle in before the ground freezes. Make sure you pick a spot with full sun and well drained soil for the best results.
Timing Your Planting
- Best Season: Plant bare root peonies in fall, ideally 6 weeks before the ground freezes, giving roots time to establish before winter dormancy begins.
- Container Plants: Potted peonies from nurseries can be planted in spring, but fall planting still produces stronger first-year root development overall.
- Establishment Period: Expect 2 to 3 years before newly planted peonies produce their first full flush of blooms, so patience is essential.
- Zone Timing: In USDA zones 3 through 5, aim for September planting, while zones 6 through 8 gardeners can plant through late October.
Choosing the Right Spot
- Sunlight: Provide 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best bloom production, though light afternoon shade helps in zones 7 and 8.
- Air Flow: Space plants 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 centimeters) apart to ensure good air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
- Drainage: Select a site with well-drained soil, as peonies cannot tolerate standing water around their crown during winter dormancy periods.
- Shelter: Avoid exposed windy spots that can snap heavy bloom stems, but don't plant too close to walls that block airflow.
Getting the Depth Right
- Herbaceous Peonies: Position the top growth buds exactly 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) below the soil surface for reliable blooming.
- Tree Peonies: Set the graft union 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) below soil level so the scion can develop its own root system.
- Common Mistake: Planting too deep is the top cause of bloom failure in peonies, even when all other growing conditions are perfect.
- Measurement Tip: Use a ruler or stick laid across the planting hole to gauge soil level against the bud position before backfilling.
Soil Preparation
- Soil Type: Peonies prefer loamy, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal nutrient uptake.
- Amendment: Mix compost or aged organic matter into the planting hole to improve drainage and structure without over-enriching with nitrogen.
- Drainage Test: Dig a hole 12 inches (30 centimeters) deep, fill with water, and confirm it drains within an hour before planting in that spot.
- Avoid Excess Nitrogen: Over-fertilizing with nitrogen produces lush leaf growth at the expense of flowers, so use balanced or low-nitrogen formulas.
Your peony soil requirements don't need to be complicated. Good drainage and a neutral pH cover most of what these plants need below ground. Full sun peonies with the right planting depth will reward you with decades of blooms once they settle in.
Care and Seasonal Maintenance
Good peony care doesn't take much time once you know what each season demands from you. In my experience, I spend about 10 minutes per plant across the whole year and my peonies reward me with bigger blooms each spring. The trick is doing the right task at the right time instead of fussing over them all year long.
In spring, your main jobs are staking peonies before stems get tall and watching for signs of botrytis blight on new shoots. Set your peony supports in place when stems reach about 6 inches tall so the foliage grows up through the rings. The bloom season spans 7 to 8 weeks from late April to early June in zones 6 and 7. You can stretch that window even longer by planting early, mid, and late blooming types together.
Summer care is all about watering peonies and deadheading peonies after the petals drop. Give your plants about 1 inch of water per week during dry spells, but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal issues. Cut spent blooms back to a strong leaf set so the plant sends its energy into root growth for next year.
Fall is the time to apply a balanced peony fertilizer and prepare your plants for winter. I use a low nitrogen blend in early fall so the roots get fed without pushing soft new growth before frost. Cut all herbaceous peony stems down to ground level after the first hard freeze. Remove and dispose of all cut foliage to prevent overwintering disease spores in your garden bed.
Peony winter care is simple in most zones. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch over the crown protects roots from extreme cold without blocking spring buds from pushing through. Pull the mulch back in early spring before new red shoots emerge. Go too thick with your mulch and you'll delay growth or smother the buds under the surface.
One bonus of growing peonies is that deer and rabbits leave them alone. You won't need fencing or sprays to protect these plants from wildlife. That makes your total peony care load much lighter than what roses or hostas demand from you each season.
Companion Plants and Design
Your peony garden design gets a big boost when you pair peonies with the right peony companion plants. I tested dozens of combos in my own borders over the past 8 years. The best peony companion plants share 2 things in common. They bloom at different times than your peonies and they don't crowd the 3 to 5 feet of space each peony needs for good air flow.
The smartest peony landscape ideas use a layered approach. Plant shorter companions in front, peonies in the middle, and tall spikes behind them. This creates a cottage garden peonies look that stays colorful from early spring through late summer. Your peony border planting will look full even after the peony blooms fade if you pick the right partners.
Alliums
- Why They Work: Tall purple allium globes bloom at the same time as peonies, creating a striking color contrast above the peony foliage line.
- Spacing: Plant allium bulbs 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) from peony crowns so both plants get adequate root space without competing.
- Bonus Benefit: Alliums repel deer and rabbits, adding a layer of pest protection alongside the already deer-resistant peony plants.
Lavender
- Why They Work: Lavender blooms after peonies finish, extending the flowering season while its silver foliage complements peony green leaves throughout summer.
- Spacing: Plant lavender 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) from peonies to avoid root competition while allowing airflow between both plants.
- Bonus Benefit: Lavender attracts pollinators that may also visit late-blooming peony varieties, supporting overall garden pollination health.
Foxglove
- Why They Work: Foxglove spires add vertical height behind peony mounds, creating a layered cottage garden look with complementary pink and white tones.
- Spacing: Position foxglove behind peonies at 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart so their taller spires rise above without casting heavy shade.
- Bonus Benefit: Foxglove self-seeds in favorable conditions, filling gaps in the border year after year without additional planting effort.
Siberian Iris
- Why They Work: Siberian iris blooms overlap with late peonies, and their slender upright foliage contrasts with the rounded peony leaf shape.
- Spacing: Allow 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) between iris clumps and peony plants for adequate air circulation and root independence.
- Bonus Benefit: Siberian iris foliage stays attractive through summer and fall, masking the peony foliage as it declines in late season.
Your single flowered peonies give bees better access to pollen than double forms do. Pair them with lavender and alliums in your garden for a strong pollinator setup.
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
Peony cut flowers rank among the most prized blooms you can grow in your own yard. The global trade jumped from 3 million stems in the late 1980s to 140 million stems today. Peonies are one of the most expensive flowers you can buy at a shop. You can skip those high prices by cutting peonies for vase displays from your own garden.
I tested dozens of harvest times over the years and found one trick that works every time. Cut your buds at the soft marshmallow stage when the bud feels like a marshmallow between your fingers. Too firm and the bloom won't open inside. Too soft and the petals drop within a day or two. Cut stems in the cool morning hours and place them in clean water right away.
Your peony vase life depends on how you handle the stems after cutting. Strip all leaves that sit below the water line to stop bacteria growth in the vase. Change the water every 2 days and add a packet of flower food to keep blooms fresh. With proper care, your peony floral arrangement can last 7 to 10 days on your kitchen table.
For peony wedding flowers, you can store cut buds at sub-zero temperatures and extend their life up to 16 weeks. This trick lets you cut blooms weeks before a big event and hold them until the exact day you need them. Event planners and florists use this method to get peonies outside the normal bloom window.
Sarah Bernhardt still leads the commercial cut flower market with over 20 million stems sold each year. But home gardeners like you have access to far more colorful options. Try Coral Sunset or bright yellow Bartzella for a peony bouquet that stands out from store options. In my experience, a mixed color bouquet from your own garden beats anything you can buy from a florist.
5 Common Myths
Ants are required to open peony buds and without them the flowers will never bloom properly.
Ants feed on sweet nectar secreted by peony buds but play no role in helping the flowers open or bloom.
Peonies need to be dug up and divided every few years or they will stop flowering entirely.
Healthy peonies can bloom for over 100 years in the same spot without division, though dividing can create new plants.
You should plant peony roots as deep as possible so they establish stronger root systems underground.
Peony buds must sit only 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) below the soil surface or they may fail to bloom.
Peonies only come in pink and white colors and all other colored varieties are artificially dyed.
Peonies naturally grow in white, pink, red, burgundy, yellow, gold, orange, purple, lavender, and bicolor combinations.
Feeding peonies with plenty of nitrogen fertilizer will produce the biggest and most abundant flowers.
Excess nitrogen causes peonies to produce lush foliage at the expense of flowers, so balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer works best.
Conclusion
Growing peonies is one of the best moves you can make for your garden. A single peony flower planted today can bloom for over 100 years in the same spot. With 33 species and more than 2,200 cultivars to pick from, you'll find a peony that fits your climate, your style, and your yard size.
Your peony garden takes just a bit of work each season to keep thriving. Good peony care comes down to the basics. Plant at the right depth, give your plants full sun, and follow a simple seasonal routine. In my experience, peonies reward you more than almost any other perennial flowers in terms of beauty per hour of effort you put in.
One safety note that most guides skip over is pet toxicity. Peonies are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, so keep your pets away from all parts of the plant. Place your peony beds where animals can't reach them or fence off the area during bloom season.
A peony planted this fall could still be blooming long after you're gone. That's the kind of lasting garden legacy few other perennial flowers can offer. The American Peony Society is a great resource if you want to learn even more about growing peonies. Get your bare roots in the ground this season and watch them grow into something your whole family can enjoy for generations.
External Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a peony flower symbolize?
Peonies symbolize prosperity, romance, good fortune, and honor across many cultures, especially in Chinese and Greek traditions.
Is peony a Japanese flower?
Peonies are deeply valued in Japan but originated in China, where they have been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
What is so special about peonies?
Peonies stand out for their 100-year lifespan, stunning fragrance, massive blooms up to 8 inches wide, and deep cultural history.
What are peony flowers good for?
Peony flowers are prized for garden beauty, cut flower arrangements, weddings, and traditional medicine with over 118 identified compounds.
Are peonies expensive flowers?
Peonies rank among the most expensive flowers in the floral trade due to their short bloom season and high demand.
What do peonies symbolize in Christianity?
In Christian tradition, peonies are associated with healing and divine provision, linked to the Greek myth of Paeon the healer.
What flower means "I love you" in Japan?
Red camellias and red carnations are the primary flowers meaning I love you in Japan, though peonies convey prosperity and bravery.
What is the rarest color of peony?
True blue and pure black peonies do not exist naturally, making deep purple and coral-yellow cultivars the rarest available colors.
What flower is called the poor man's rose?
The peony is often called the poor man's rose because it offers rose-like beauty and fragrance with much less maintenance.
What type of person likes peonies?
Peony lovers tend to appreciate tradition, romance, and timeless garden beauty, often drawn to cottage and heritage garden styles.
