The Ultimate Ellermann Florist Guide to Peony Varieties
Peonies, with their lush blooms and vibrant colors, are a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts. Known for their beauty and fragrance, peonies come in various types and varieties, each with unique characteristics. This guide explores the main types of peonies—herbaceous, tree, and intersectional (Itoh)—and highlights popular varieties within each category, along with their features, care tips, and uses in gardens or arrangements.
Introduction to Peonies
Peonies (genus Paeonia) are perennial plants celebrated for their large, colorful flowers and long lifespan. They thrive in temperate climates, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. Peonies are divided into three main types:
Herbaceous Peonies: These die back to the ground each winter and regrow in spring. They are the most common type, known for their vibrant blooms and ease of care.
Tree Peonies: Woody shrubs that retain their structure year-round, producing large, exotic flowers. They are slower to establish but offer stunning displays.
Intersectional (Itoh) Peonies: Hybrids of herbaceous and tree peonies, combining the best traits of both—vibrant colors, sturdy stems, and a longer bloom period.
Each type includes numerous varieties, offering a range of colors, forms, and bloom times to suit different garden styles and climates.
Herbaceous Peonies
Herbaceous peonies (Paeonia lactiflora and related species) are the backbone of many gardens, valued for their reliability and diverse flower forms. They grow 2–4 feet tall, with sturdy stems and glossy green foliage.
Key Characteristics
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May–June in most regions).
Flower Forms: Single, semi-double, double, anemone, and bomb.
Colors: White, pink, red, coral, and yellow.
Care: Prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal disturbance once established. Cut back foliage in fall.
Popular Herbaceous Peony Varieties
‘Sarah Bernhardt’
Description: A classic double peony with large, soft pink blooms and a sweet fragrance. Blooms in mid-season.
Height: 3 feet.
Best For: Cut flowers, cottage gardens.
Care Tip: Stake stems to support heavy blooms.
‘Coral Charm’
Description: Semi-double, coral-pink flowers that fade to peach. Early bloomer with strong stems.
Height: 2.5–3 feet.
Best For: Mixed borders, vibrant displays.
Care Tip: Plant in a spot with good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
‘Festiva Maxima’
Description: Double white flowers with crimson flecks, highly fragrant. Mid-season bloomer.
Height: 3 feet.
Best For: Classic white gardens, bouquets.
Care Tip: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
‘Kansas’
Description: Vibrant double red blooms, sturdy stems. Mid-season.
Height: 3–3.5 feet.
Best For: Bold color in borders.
Care Tip: Divide every 10–15 years to maintain vigor.
‘Bowl of Beauty’
Description: Anemone-form with pink outer petals and creamy yellow center. Mid-season bloomer.
Height: 2.5–3 feet.
Best For: Eye-catching focal points.
Care Tip: Deadhead to encourage healthy growth.
Growing Tips for Herbaceous Peonies
Plant roots in fall, with eyes (buds) 1–2 inches below soil surface.
Ensure 3–4 feet of space between plants for air circulation.
Avoid frequent transplanting, as peonies take 2–3 years to establish.
Fertilize sparingly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring.
Tree Peonies
Tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa and hybrids) are woody shrubs that can live for decades, producing spectacular, oversized blooms. They are prized for their exotic appearance and are often used as focal points in gardens.
Key Characteristics
Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring (April–May), slightly earlier than herbaceous peonies.
Flower Forms: Single, semi-double, double.
Colors: White, pink, red, yellow, purple, and bi-colors.
Care: Require well-drained soil, partial shade in hot climates, and minimal pruning (only dead or damaged wood).
Popular Tree Peony Varieties
‘Shimadaijin’
Description: Large, semi-double purple-red blooms with a golden center. Early bloomer.
Height: 4–5 feet.
Best For: Asian-inspired gardens, specimen plants.
Care Tip: Protect from strong winds to preserve blooms.
‘High Noon’
Description: Bright yellow semi-double flowers, slightly fragrant. Mid-season.
Height: 4–6 feet.
Best For: Sunny borders, focal points.
Care Tip: Mulch in winter to protect roots in colder climates.
‘Hanakisoi’
Description: Delicate pink, semi-double blooms with a soft glow. Early bloomer.
Height: 3–5 feet.
Best For: Small gardens, containers.
Care Tip: Prune lightly after blooming to shape the shrub.
‘Yachiyo-Tsubaki’
Description: Coral-pink single blooms with a graceful form. Early to mid-season.
Height: 4–5 feet.
Best For: Mixed shrub borders.
Care Tip: Avoid deep planting to prevent weak growth.
Growing Tips for Tree Peonies
Plant in fall or early spring, with the graft union 4–6 inches below soil level.
Provide afternoon shade in warmer climates to prevent flower fading.
Water regularly during the first year but avoid waterlogged soil.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before blooming.
Intersectional (Itoh) Peonies
Intersectional peonies, also known as Itoh peonies, are hybrids of herbaceous and tree peonies, developed by Japanese breeder Toichi Itoh. They combine the sturdy stems and vibrant colors of tree peonies with the die-back habit of herbaceous peonies.
Key Characteristics
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer, often extending longer than herbaceous peonies.
Flower Forms: Single to semi-double, occasionally double.
Colors: Yellow, coral, pink, red, and unique blends.
Care: Similar to herbaceous peonies but more tolerant of varied conditions.
Popular Itoh Peony Varieties
‘Bartzella’
Description: Large, double yellow blooms with a slight red center. Mid-season, highly fragrant.
Height: 2.5–3 feet.
Best For: Cut flowers, sunny borders.
Care Tip: Provide support for heavy blooms.
‘Cora Louise’
Description: Semi-double white flowers with lavender-pink centers. Mid-season.
Height: 2–3 feet.
Best For: Moon gardens, mixed borders.
Care Tip: Plant in rich, well-drained soil.
‘Hillary’
Description: Semi-double, rose-pink blooms fading to cream at the edges. Mid-season.
Height: 2.5–3 feet.
Best For: Color transitions in borders.
Care Tip: Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
‘Garden Treasure’
Description: Semi-double yellow flowers with red flares, long blooming period. Mid to late season.
Height: 2–3 feet.
Best For: Long-lasting displays, containers.
Care Tip: Deadhead to extend bloom time.
Growing Tips for Itoh Peonies
Plant in fall, with eyes 1–2 inches below soil surface.
Tolerate a range of soil types but prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
Space 3–4 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
Cut back dead foliage in fall, similar to herbaceous peonies.
Choosing the Right Peony for Your Garden
When selecting peonies, consider the following factors:
Climate: Herbaceous and Itoh peonies are more cold-hardy (USDA Zones 3–8), while tree peonies thrive in Zones 4–9 but may need winter protection in colder areas.
Space: Tree peonies require more space and are better as focal points, while herbaceous and Itoh peonies suit borders or mass plantings.
Bloom Time: Stagger varieties with early, mid, and late bloom times for a longer display (e.g., tree peonies for early spring, herbaceous for early summer, Itoh for extended blooms).
Purpose: Choose fragrant varieties like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ or ‘Bartzella’ for cut flowers, or bold colors like ‘Kansas’ for garden impact.
General Care Tips for All Peonies
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0.
Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best blooms; tree peonies tolerate partial shade.
Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy, especially during establishment.
Pests/Diseases: Watch for botrytis blight (gray mold) and treat with fungicides if needed. Ants are common but harmless, as they feed on nectar.
Propagation: Divide herbaceous and Itoh peonies in fall; tree peonies are best propagated by grafting.
Using Peonies in Landscaping and Arrangements
Landscaping: Use peonies in mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as specimen plants. Pair with perennials like irises, roses, or lavender for complementary textures.
Cut Flowers: Harvest blooms in the “marshmallow” stage (soft but firm buds) for longer vase life. Remove foliage below water level to prevent rot.
Design Tips: Combine white peonies with greenery for elegant arrangements, or mix vibrant colors like coral and yellow for bold displays.
Ellermann Flower Tips
Peonies offer endless possibilities for gardeners and floral designers, with their diverse varieties and stunning blooms. Whether you choose the classic charm of herbaceous peonies, the exotic allure of tree peonies, or the versatile beauty of Itoh peonies, there’s a variety to suit every taste and garden. By selecting the right type and providing proper care, you can enjoy these timeless flowers for decades
