Peonies come in a huge variety that you may add to your garden.
Tree peonies, intersectional/Itoh peonies, and herbaceous peonies are the three different varieties of peony plants (modern crosses between herbaceous and tree types). From light, delicate blooms to bodacious, frilly pom-pom puffs, the flowers come in a variety of shapes. There are six different types of peony flower blooms: Single, Japanese, Anemone, Semi-Double, Bombe, and Full Double. There are many varieties of peonies with pink or white petals, but there are also ones with purple, crimson, orange, and even yellow blooms.
Let’s examine several representative cultivar variants of the intersectional/Itoh, tree, and herbaceous peony kinds. Additionally, this article lists several common peony varieties according to bloom color.
What three varieties of peony exist?
About 30 species of flowering plants in the family Paeoniaceae make up the genus peony (genus Paeonia), which is distinguished by its enormous, spectacular flowers. The majority of these species are produced as ornamentals and for the flower industry, with the exception of two that are native to Europe and Asia.
Peonies can be divided into three different types: herbaceous Eurasian peonies, Asian tree peonies, often known as moutan peonies, and North American peonies. The perennial herbaceous peonies can reach heights of approximately one meter (about 3 feet). They feature broad, glossy leaves with numerous divisions that grow on annual stems made by fleshy rootstocks. They produce enormous single and double flowers in the colors of white, pink, rose, and deep crimson throughout the late spring and early summer. The majority of the well-known garden peonies are descendants of the fragrant Chinese peony (P. lactiflora) and the European common peony (P. officinalis). P. lactiflora has produced hundreds of cultivated varieties, including Japanese forms with a cluster of partially developed petals in the center and one or two rows of petals on either side (petaloid stamens).
Which peony is the most stunning?
It is challenging to select a favorite peony. There are some instantly identifiable powerhouse names, such as Sarah Bernhardt and Kansas, that send shivers down your spine as you anticipate their time-tested beauty. However, learning about the beauty of less well-known kinds like Moonstone and Jacorma will leave you speechless and yearning of the day you can touch them in your hands once more.
Most Requested, Instantly Recognizable and Supremely Reliable
- Bernhardt, Sarah Since she is widely grown and adored all over the world, this peony probably doesn’t even require an introduction. Since 1906 (Lemoine), Sarah Bernhardt has been a beloved peony and one of the most trustworthy cut flowers available. She is dependable in the field and has a long vase life. Even after drying, this peony still works well and keeps its distinctive pink hue. Her dependability and capacity for success in a range of contexts make her a favorite among florists. The preferred pink peony of your grandmother has quite large, light to medium pink blooms that are gently scented. For the BONUS DISCOUNT CODE to use on our online store’s most popular peony, Sarah Bernhardt, keep reading!
Secondly, Duchesse de Nemours The Duchesse de Nemours, known as the “Queen of White Peonies,” provides a bloom form and smell to which all other white peonies are held in comparison. The enormous, creamy white guard petals and distinctive aroma, which is reminiscent of excellent perfume, are possibly the most adored characteristics. Buttermilk yellow light emanates from the base of the inner, ruffled petals of the double, globe-shaped flowers, which are creamy white overall. tight, little buds that flower swiftly and have an opening diameter of 4-6 inches. This heirloom cultivar has a large, extraordinarily fragrant bloom and is more than 150 years old.
Kansas 3. The American Home Achievement Medal and the American Peony Society Gold Medal were given to Kansas in 1942 and 1957, respectively, after it made its triumphant debut in 1940. Due to its brilliant and effervescent brilliance, Kansas has been regarded to as the crown jewel of peonies and is frequently featured in pictures. Because it lasts a long time in vases, floral designers enjoy it, and many people adore it for its vibrant color. Large, double rose-shaped blooms with a deep fuchsia hue that ranges from raspberry to watermelon are a popular choice for adding a strong punch of color to arrangements. The Kansas bud harvest stage differs noticeably from other stages. It requires a skilled farmer’s touch to time the harvest correctly because it must be cut at a much softer stage than most other types for it to fully blossom in the vase.
Festiva Maxima 4. Since 1851, both amateur gardeners and commercial producers have favored this well-known white peony because it sets the bar for perfection. This flamboyant variety has endured the test of time for good reason; it possesses all the qualities we look for in a peony, including fluffy, fragrant blossoms with long stems that linger both in the yard and in vases. A huge, loosely formed, all-white bloom that is totally double and fully developed, with a few red flecks on some inner petal tips. The enormous, tightly packed buds swiftly expand to an average diameter of 6 to 9 inches and have a potent, enduring aroma. A rare gift loved by a select few, a trace of blush in some blossoms is not unusual in chilly growing areas!
Red Charm 5. The benchmark red peony used to compare all other red peonies. Red Charm is a bomb-shaped bloom with large guard petals encircling a soft ball of ruffled petals at its center. Its color is frequently characterized as a deep crimson or merlot. Red Charm, which Glasscock first released in 1944, received the Gold Medal from the American Peony Society in 1956. It is challenging to surpass “Red Charm” for the field, vase, and exhibition because this peony is well recognized and adored all over the world.
Lesser Known Gems That You Won’t Forget
First Jacorma This huge bloom has many ruffled petals and a dark pink color that does not deteriorate with age. It also has a subtle, alluring aroma. a late-bloomer with a massive bud that opens into a massive bloom. Born in the Netherlands, the name is an acronym for the DeVroomen family’s Dutch names Jan, Cor, and Marie.
Marie Lemoine, 2. A stunning white peony with stamens tucked inside the petals giving off a honey golden light. A delicate, agreeable scent to go with the huge bloom on the strong, sturdy stem. On occasion, the inner petals’ edges will develop a delicate scarlet edge. This cultivar resembles a very huge Duchesse de Nemours when in bud form. An excellent late-season bloomer that was worth the wait. By Calot, in 1869, Marie Lemoine was created in France.
3. My Heart
When brides and floral designers think of blush peonies, they picture this treasure. My Love originally hit the market in 1992, and ever since then, it has been hailed as a brilliant debut. Many people have described this flower as having a mother-of-pearl flush when it first opens, fading over time to become completely white. Elegant long stems and lustrous green leaves make it a good choice for arrangements and large-scale constructions. The big, full flowers emit a delicate scent. My Love is a lovely, passionate flower.
Paul M. Wild 4.
This large, totally double, ruby red peony has silky blossoms, keeps its color for the duration of the vase life, and has a wonderful smell. Although it is a deep red, the overall hue is more raspberry than burgundy. The totally double bloom and smooth, tulip-shaped bud of Paul M Wild make it a very appealing addition to your garden and vase.
Pecher 5.
The most fragrant varieties of double form peonies typically come from Pecher, who doesn’t let you down. One of the most fragrant and enjoyable peony a grower will ever have the pleasure of experiencing is this one. When left to flower on the bush, the bloom, which is sometimes characterized as light pink or blush, gradually fades to a near-white color as it ages. The inner petals of Pecher occasionally have exquisite brilliant pink speckling. Under the countless layers of delicate petals, semi-double seed pods with pink tips can be seen. This type is a wonderful addition to the collection of any peony aficionado because of the huge color range brought on by several bloom stages, the unique smell, and the lengthy flowering season. It is not unusual for Pecher to have flowers from early to late in the traditional peony bloom season.
On the basis of attractiveness alone, it is impossible to choose a preferred peony variety. However, by taking into account a few elements like the planting location, the growth environment, the characteristics that are most desirable to the grower, and the intended purpose of the peony flower, we may reduce the number of possibilities. Our farmers are ready to assist you choose the best variety to suit your needs, whether you desire a special variety in a striking color that might only last a few days or a robust standard that can withstand a variety of summer weather conditions.
Use the discount code THEPEONYJOURNAL in our online store to receive a 20% discount on Sarah Bernhardt peonies shipped all season long—this offer is only available to readers of The Peony Journal!
What kind of peony do I have, and how can I tell?
Peonies can also be divided into groups based on the kinds of flowers they bear:
- One row of broad petals and a striking center can be seen on a single peony flower.
- Semi-double peony blossoms have a layered appearance, and their gorgeous ruffled petals.
- The distinctive feature of double peony flowers is their enormous, bushy blooms without a discernible center.
- The name “Japanese peony” refers to how much the Japanese value these attractive, extravagant flowers.
- The huge, globular petals that make up the blooms of bomb peony flowers give them their name.
Which peony has the nicest aroma?
Peony flowers offer a brilliant burst of color to the environment and are beloved by most gardeners for the beauty of their magnificent petals and their bold foliage that changes colours with the seasons. One of nature’s most beautiful perennials, they are practically careless once established, produce some of the nicest cut flowers, are deer resistant, and survive for years.
Furthermore, Mother Nature has been extraordinarily kind to the Paeonia species, as many of the peonies are also beautifully scented, which adds even another benefit to your enjoyment of cultivating this wonderful garden perennial!
- Peonies have a variety of scents, from pink and sweet to lemony and peppery.
- Some peonies have strong scents that can be enjoyed at a typical viewing distance, while others have milder scents that need to be smelled closer to the flower to be appreciated. These mildly scented peonies might be used better inside, where their scent won’t be overpowering.
- The age of the flower, temperature, and humidity can all have an impact on how the smell changes throughout the day. Early in the morning, when the sun first warms the blossoms, they are frequently at their most fragrant; later, when the day heats up, they may become just moderately fragrant or even completely unnoticeably fragrant as the flower’s volatile essential oils evaporate.
- The majority of single and red peonies lack aroma, with a few outliers, whereas double, white, and pink peonies typically have the strongest fragrance.
Here are some fragrant peonies that are great for cutting and bringing within, as well as being the star of your spring garden.
Which peony has the most blooms?
Intersectional peonies can produce flowers for a period of 3 to 4 weeks, with as many as 30 to 50 blossoms per plant, if you’re searching for a longer bloom season. If shielded from the intense afternoon light, a tree peony’s blossoms can endure up to 14 days. Depending on the variety, the usual flowering period of herbaceous peony is 7–10 days.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Cream’
This peony has smooth, fragrant, creamy-white petals on every petal. It features twin blossoms, an inward bend, and a bowl-shaped center. From early in the growing season till the end. 80cm. RHS H6.
She explains, “I usually stick to my favorite peonies, such “Dinner Plate,” “Elsa Sass,” and “Sarah Bernhardt.” ” However, it changes every year. If something fresh and valuable emerges, it will undoubtedly be included.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Pillow Talk’
On sturdy stems with lush, dark-green foliage, the fragrant, lovely powder puff peony flowers are produced freely. 80 cm. Mid-season.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’
With a boss of golden stamens that grows larger as the blooms mature, this peony produces fragrant, bright-magenta double blooms. 80cm. RHS H6.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Auguste Dessert’
A dependable deep rose-pink, semi-double peony with dark yellow stamens, fragrant blooms, and attractive fall leaves. mid- to late-season flowers 90cm. RHS H6.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Nymphe’
Like other solitary peony, its rich pink blossoms have a strong perfume and is a wonderful supply of nectar for bees. late in the year 80cm. USDA 3a-8b, RHS H6.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Mr GF Hemerik’
Peony petals in a deep shade of pink encircle a large, aging cream petaloid dome. an easy to grow peony. Mid-season. 1m. USDA 3a-8b, RHS H6.
Paeonia ‘Coral Charm’
An stunning semi-double peony in coral color. On long, crimson stalks, this peony’s persistent blossoms mature to a mellow peach color. can remain fresh for 10 days when sliced. 85cm. RHS H6, USDA 3a-8b, AGM*.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Adolphe Rousseau’
A peony in the middle of the growing season with rich, cerise-red double flowers and yellow stamens. Despite having no aroma, it is constantly covered in blossoms. 95cm.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Miss America’
Semi-double peony blossoms are quite uncommon, and this fragrant cultivar’s sparkling white flowers are especially noteworthy. mid- to early-season. 90cm. RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b, AGM.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
This perfumed double features pure pink petals with a silver edge tint that is one of Claire’s favorites. This late-season peony is a traditional flower for cutting thanks to its lengthy stalks. 1m. AGM. USDA 3a-8b, RHS H6.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Myrtle Gentry’
Another of Claire’s favorites, it has beautiful shape and a wonderful perfume. The huge, double, blush-pink blossoms mature to become white. It is a mid-season flower that lasts a long time in a vase. 90cm.
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’
This well-liked Japanese cultivar features ribbon-like, pale-lemon petaloids and bright-pink guard petals. Free-flowering and faintly fragrant. the middle of the season. 80cm. RHS H6. AGM
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’
This cultivar, which has a faint perfume, was planted by Claire’s mother in a shaded area 20 years ago, and it produces more than 50 blossoms each year. Mid-season. 85cm. RHS H6.
Paeonia ‘Prairie Charm’
The stunning, semi-double, yellow bloom unfolds to show raspberry flares at the base of each petal in a deep cup. The colors of autumn are burnished pewter. 90cm.
Claire’s tips for growing peonies
- The planting hole should be large enough to easily fit the roots and the leaf buds should be no deeper than 2.5 cm below the soil’s surface.
- When the stems of taller varieties are about 15 cm high, support them.
- Feed with bonemeal or ordinary fertilizer in the spring every three years.
- Mulch as far away from the center crown as you can since organic material will scorch the spring buds that are just starting to emerge.
- To prevent illnesses, remove old leaves. Weather that is moist makes peony wilt worse. Infected sections should be thrown away far from the garden if it becomes a problem, or fungicide should be sprayed.
- In particular, provided they are not separated, peonies do not mind being transplanted. When dividing plants, between late October and the end of January, when they are dormant, be sure that each division contains at least three buds.