Peonies are a highly sought-after plant among gardeners and plant enthusiasts worldwide. Boasting large, lush blooms in a wide range of colors and emitting delightful fragrances, these beloved perennials create a gorgeous display that elevates any landscape. Whether used as a specimen plant, incorporated into a mixed border, or added to a cutting garden, peonies are sure to captivate.
Peonies come in three main types including herbaceous, tree, and intersectional (Itoh), each offering unique beauty and characteristics. With so many varieties to choose from, choosing the right peonies for your garden can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for stunning peonies to plant, here are 15 popular varieties that stand out.
1. Sarah Bernhardt
The Sarah Bernhardt is a popular early blooming peony that kicks off the blooming season with soft pink, double flowers with a lovely fragrance. This variety is perfect for cut flower arrangements.
2. Karl Rosenfield
This peony variety features deep red, fully double blooms, offering a bold and eye-catching display to any garden.
3. Festiva Maxima
The Festiva Maxima is renowned for its large, white petals with striking red flecks. Its blooms produce a strong fragrance, making it a popular choice for bouquets.
4. Bowl of Beauty
The Bowl of Beauty boasts bright pink outer petals and a fluffy yellow center. This unique peony adds a dramatic pop of color and texture to garden beds.
5. Coral Charm
“Coral Charm” is another early blooming peony that stands out with its delicate petals and sweet fragrance. This stunning variety starts as a rich coral color and fades to a peachy shade over time, showcasing dynamic beauty.
6. Shirley Temple
Named after the beloved actress, the Shirley Temple peony is sure to captivate. This beautiful variety produces soft pink buds that bloom into creamy white flowers, creating a timeless elegance.
7. Duchesse de Nemours
The Duchesse de Nemours peony is a classic, timeless variety that produces an intoxicating fragrance and exquisite beauty, making it perfect for elegant floral displays.
8. Bartzella
“Bartzella” is distinguished by its large, sunny-hued blooms and long-lasting flowers. This beautiful yellow Itoh peony adds a cheerful touch to any garden or floral arrangement.
9. Dr. Alexander Fleming
This deep pink peony makes a standout plant in any garden with its large, fragrant, and ruffled blooms. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
10. Red Charm
The Red Charm peony adds a dramatic pop of color and texture to any landscape with its large, velvety blooms.
11. Pink Hawaiian Coral
This vibrant and captivating variety features bright coral-pink blooms that soften in color over time, bringing a tropical touch to garden spaces.
12. Kansas
The Kansas peony is prized for its bold, deep pink flowers with a strong stem, making it a resilient choice for garden beds and cut flowers.
13. Moonstone
The Moonstone peony is categorized by its soft pastel pink petals that delicately fade to nearly white, giving this variety a delicate and ethereal appearance.
14. Paula Fay
The Paula Fay peony is an early bloomer that boasts vibrant pink single flowers, bringing a burst of color to spring gardens.
15. Chocolate Soldier
This unique variety boasts dark maroon-red blooms, making it perfect for those who prefer deeper, richer tones in their garden.
Growing and Caring for Peonies
To keep your peonies thriving, follow these essential care tips:
- Planting and soil conditions: Peonies thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Plant your peonies in a location that provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Watering and fertilizing: Peonies require regular watering. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Fertilize your peonies plants in early spring to encourage healthy, vibrant blooms.
- Pest and disease control: Monitor your plants for common pests like aphids and botrytis blight. Trim off any infected leaves to prevent disease and keep your plants thriving.
Conclusion
Peonies are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for stunning, vibrant blooms with minimal maintenance. Whether you prefer soft pastels, bold reds, or bright yellows, there’s a peony variety that suits your taste, matching your garden’s style and color scheme. Consider incorporating these stunning flowers into your garden and enjoy their gorgeous display for years to come.
