Peony
Paeonia spp.
Peony Plant Features
Every spring peonies provide armloads of super fragrant, colorful blooms that are ideal for fresh cut arrangements. This sun-loving perennial is so dependable it will live for decades with a minimum of attention from you. The shrub-like plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall with pretty divided foliage that looks great in the garden even when the plants are not in bloom. Peony flower colors include coral, pink, red, white, yellow, and bi-color in both single and double flowering forms. Bloom times vary a little by variety and, with careful planning, you can enjoy peony flowers from early spring through early summer. Peonies are also deer and rabbit resistant. Hardy from zones 3-8.
Peony Questions?
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Peony Growing Instructions
Peonies grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Set the plants into the ground at the same depth they were growing in the pot. If planted too deeply peonies may not bloom. The "eyes" (where new growth emerges) should be no deeper than 2 inches under the soil. Peonies have a tendency to topple after a heavy storm so use a peony ring to stake your plants early in the season. Remove faded flowers as they appear to keep the plant looking tidy and clip away dead foliage after the first freeze blackens the leaves.
Peony is not recommended for human or animal consumption.
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Light
Outside: Sun
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Colors
Pink, Red, White, Yellow
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Water
Medium water needs
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Special Features
Attracts hummingbirds
Deer/rabbit resistant
Fragrant flowers/foliage
Super-easy to grow
Complement your Peony with these varieties:
Baptisia is about the same size and shape as Peony and blooms around the same time making it a good partner.
Bearded Iris and Peony make an outstanding pair in the spring garden.
In a country style garden, Peony backed up by an arbor clad in Clematis is a classic combination.
Varieties: Our Favorites

Paeonia lactiflora 'Annemieke'
Annemieke is a fragrant variety with medium-pink flowers in spring. This sun-loving perennial is easy to grow and makes a wonderful cut flower. It grows 30 inches tall and wide.

Paeonia lactiflora 'Dr. Alexander Fleming'
This spring-blooming flower shows off double pink blossoms imbued with a wonderful, rich fragrance -- so be sure to plant this beauty where you'll be able to get up close and enjoy its sweet scent. It grows 30 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-8

Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours'
Easy to grow and exceptionally beautiful, Duchesse de Nemours offers fragrant, pure white flowers in spring. It grows 36 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-8

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Sarah Bernhardt is one of the most beautiful varieties, showing off huge, fragrant pink flowers in late spring. It grows 36 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-8