Peonies are native to various regions spanning from Asia, particularly China, where they have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, to Europe and Western North America.
The genus Paeonia is most diverse in Asia, especially in China, which is considered one of the primary centers of origin. Some species of peonies are native to Southern Europe, with Greece being notable for its wild peonies. There are also native species in Western North America, although they are less commonly cultivated than their Asian counterparts.
Peonies are perennial plants, which can be herbaceous (dying back to the ground each winter) or woody (tree peonies, which have a shrub-like structure). Plant can grow to about 2-3 feet in height, forming clumps. The foliage is usually deep green, providing an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The leaves can be broad and deeply lobed.
Peony flowers are large, often fragrant, and come in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, yellow, and even some shades of purple. The flowers can be single, with a few broad petals, or double, filled with numerous petals creating a lush, full look. They typically bloom in late spring to early summer, depending on the variety and climate.
Cultivation
- Peonies require a period of cold to induce flowering, which makes them well-suited to temperate climates.
- They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Once established, peonies can live for decades, even up to 100 years, and they don’t like to be disturbed or transplanted often.
There are many cultivated varieties of peonies, with differences in color, flower form, fragrance, and blooming time, catering to a wide range of aesthetic preferences in gardening.
Varieties of Peony
Paeonia ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
A classic, very popular variety with large, double pink flowers. It’s known for its sweet fragrance and sturdy stems, making it excellent for cut flowers.
Paeonia ‘Karl Rosenfield’
This peony boasts vibrant, double crimson blooms. It’s a mid-season bloomer with a strong, upright growth habit, and it’s quite disease-resistant.
Paeonia ‘Coral Charm’
Known for its stunning coral-pink semi-double flowers that fade to soft peach. It’s an early bloomer with a dramatic color change as the flowers mature.
Paeonia ‘Bowl of Beauty’
Features anemone-form flowers where the center is filled with creamy yellow petaloids surrounded by larger pink petals. It’s a unique look with a pleasant fragrance.
Paeonia ‘Festiva Maxima’
This variety has been around since the 19th century. It has large, double white flowers with flecks of crimson on some petals, offering a delightful scent.
Paeonia ‘Red Charm’
A early bloomer with deep, true red, double blooms that are almost ball-shaped. Its flowers are among the largest of red peonies.
Paeonia ‘Duchesse de Nemours’
Elegant, double white flowers with a cream or light yellow center when fully open. It has a strong, sweet fragrance and blooms in mid-season.
Paeonia ‘Felix Crousse’
A striking variety with double ruby-red flowers. This peony is known for its vigorous growth and the ability to produce many flowers per plant.
Paeonia ‘Shirley Temple’
Delicate light pink to white double flowers that resemble the actress’s famous curls. It’s fragrant and transitions to almost white as the blooms age.
Paeonia ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’
This peony has large, double, light pink flowers with a deeper pink center. It’s less common, but cherished for its long blooming period and fragrance.
Paeonia ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’
Offers semi-double flowers in a vibrant coral that fades to softer hues. It’s an award-winning variety for its unique color and early blooming time.
Paeonia ‘Lady Alexandra Duff’
A heirloom variety with light pink, semi-double to double flowers. Named after a British aristocrat, this peony is both elegant and fragrant.
Paeonia ‘Sorbet’
This variety has a unique flower structure with layers of pink and cream, resembling the dessert it’s named after. It’s a late bloomer with a sweet scent.
Paeonia ‘Bartzella’ (Intersectional/Itoh Peony)
A hybrid with large, semi-double to double yellow flowers with red flares at the base. It’s known for its strong stems and lush foliage.
Paeonia ‘Blaze’
Known for bright, single to semi-double red flowers. It’s an early bloomer that brings a burst of color to the garden.
Paeonia ‘Big Ben’
This variety boasts huge, dark red, bomb-type double flowers. It’s named for its impressive size and robust fragrance.
Paeonia ‘Gardenia’
Features double blush-white flowers with a gardenia-like appearance and scent, blooming midseason.
Paeonia ‘Krinkled White’
Has single white flowers with crinkled petals, giving it a unique texture, and yellow stamens that add contrast.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Edulis Superba’
An old variety with fragrant, bright pink, double flowers. It’s early blooming and has a reputation for being particularly hardy.
Paeonia ‘Cora Louise’ (Itoh Peony)
Presents large, semi-double flowers with white petals and a striking lavender flare at the base, blending well with its dark green foliage.
Paeonia ‘Mother’s Choice’
Creamy white double flowers that are very full and lush, often used in bridal bouquets for their pure look and sweet scent.
Paeonia ‘Nymphe’
Offers soft pink, single flowers with a prominent golden center. It’s less common but admired for its delicate appearance.
Paeonia ‘Raspberry Sundae’
This peony looks like its name with layers of creamy pink and raspberry pink, resembling a delicious sundae. It has a pleasant, mild fragrance.
Paeonia ‘Miss America’
A semi-double to double white peony with strong, golden stamens. It’s award-winning and known for its vigorous growth.
Paeonia ‘Scarlet O’Hara’
Single red flowers with a vigorous, fiery display. It’s named for its bold, dramatic look.
Paeonia ‘Paula Fay’
Known for its semi-double, vivid pink flowers that open from darker pink buds. It has a good resistance to disease.
Paeonia ‘Prairie Moon’
Features large, single to semi-double white flowers with a yellow center. It’s appreciated for its simplicity and elegance.
Paeonia ‘Topeka Garnet’
A lesser-known variety with deep garnet, single flowers. Its dark color makes it stand out in any garden setting.