Peonies are beloved for their lush blooms, delightful fragrances, and timeless elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, peonies can add charm to any garden. Here are 30 beautiful peony varieties, complete with pictures and care tips, to inspire your next planting.
Different Types of Peony Flowers with Pictures
Coral Charm Peony
Coral Charm, introduced in the 1960s, is a semi-double peony with coral-colored blooms. Its 5- to 6-inch flowers provide a unique salmon hue that stands out in gardens. Blooming mid-season, this variety grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. It prefers full or partial sun and well-drained soil. Suitable for zones 3-8, it remains a popular and award-winning choice.
Coral Supreme Peony
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Supreme’ is a semi-double variety with rich coral-colored blooms. Its strong stems hold up well against weather, making it ideal for gardens and cut flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. It thrives in full or partial sun and well-drained soil, suitable for zones 3-8. Its vibrant blooms make it a garden favorite.
Do Tell Peony
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Do Tell’ is an award-winning peony known for its Japanese form. It features pink petals with a mass of finer petaloids in the center, creating a striking color combination. Blooming heavily in late spring to early summer, it grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. This fragrant variety thrives in full or partial sun and well-drained soil. Suitable for zones 3-8, it adds beauty and fragrance to any garden.
Fernleaf Peony
Paeonia tenuifolia, known as fernleaf peony, showcases dark green fern-like foliage and rich-red double flowers. Its delicate leaves remain attractive even when not in bloom. Blooming early, it features 3-inch dark red flowers with bright yellow stamens, attracting butterflies while resisting deer. Growing best in full sun and well-drained soil, it reaches 1 to 2 feet tall and thrives in zones 3-7.
Festiva Maxima
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’ is a timeless variety from the 1850s, featuring large white blooms flecked with crimson-red. Its pure white flowers shine in the garden and work well as cut flowers. The bronze spring foliage and yellow fall color add seasonal interest. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, suitable for zones 3-8.
Gay Paree
Introduced in the 1930s, Paeonia lactiflora ‘Gay Paree’ dazzles with pink-blushed, ivory-white centers surrounded by raspberry-pink petals. Its fragrant 6-inch blooms stand out in gardens and bouquets. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide in full or part sun with well-drained soil, thriving in zones 3-8.
Green Halo
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Green Halo’ is a unique variety with white petals rising from a green base. Its mid-spring blooms reach up to 7 inches wide, creating a striking garden presence. Ideal for full and part sun with well-drained soil, it grows 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide, suitable for zones 3-8.
Karl Rosenfield
An heirloom from the early 1900s, Paeonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’ produces cherry-red double blooms in late spring to early summer. The fragrant flowers make excellent cut flowers. Thriving in full or part sun with well-drained soil, it grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide in zones 3-8.
Keiko
Known as Paeonia x ‘Pink Double Dandy,’ Keiko bears semi-double to double pale pink blooms that darken toward the center. Blooming in mid-spring, its 6-inch flowers require no staking due to sturdy stems. Preferring full or part sun with well-drained soil, it grows 24 to 30 inches tall and wide, thriving in zones 4-8.
Krinkled White
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Krinkled White,’ a 1920s favorite, features single white flowers with yellow centers. Slightly fragrant and 6 inches wide, it blooms profusely in late spring to early summer. Ideal for the South, it grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide in full or part sun with well-drained soil, thriving in zones 3-8.
Morning Lilac
Paeonia x ‘Morning Lilac’ is an Itoh peony with lilac-pink semi-double blooms measuring 8 inches wide. Its mid-to-late spring flowers feature gold stamens and foliage that turns bright orange and red in fall. Preferring full or part sun with well-drained soil, it grows 26 to 28 inches tall, suitable for zones 3-8.
Paula Fay
Paeonia lactifolia ‘Paula Fay’ is a vigorous variety with reddish-pink semi-double blooms introduced in the 1960s. Known for its brilliant color and reliability, it blooms in late spring or early summer. Thriving in full or part sun with well-drained soil, it grows 30 to 34 inches tall and 18 to 20 inches wide, suited for zones 3-8.
Pillow Talk
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Pillow Talk’ produces large, double pink blooms with a light bicolor effect. Its fragrant flowers attract butterflies and pollinators in mid to late spring. With strong stems, it makes an excellent cut flower. Preferring full or part sun with well-drained soil, it grows 28 to 34 inches tall and 30 to 38 inches wide, thriving in zones 3-8.
America Peony
Paeonia lactiflora ‘America’ is an award-winning variety introduced in 1976. It features striking scarlet-red, single flowers with vibrant yellow centers. Blooming in early to mid-spring, it grows vigorously with an upright habit. Its bright blooms make it a showstopper in any garden, and it thrives in well-drained soil with full or partial sun exposure. Reaching heights of 3 to 4 feet, this variety is perfect for zones 3-7 and offers stunning visual appeal throughout the season.
Bartzella Peony
Bartzella is a hybrid Itoh peony introduced in the 1980s. It showcases large, golden-yellow flowers with a slight red center and a lemony fragrance. Blooming in late spring or early summer, its 6- to 8-inch blooms provide a rare and luxurious splash of color. This variety grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Suitable for zones 4-9, it combines beauty and resilience.
Better Times Peony
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Better Times’ is a classic variety from the 1940s. Its bright pink blooms appear on tall stems in mid to late season, making it a standout in floral arrangements. The 6-inch flowers are especially good as cut flowers. Growing 28 to 38 inches tall, this variety prefers full or partial sun and well-drained soil. It is ideal for zones 3-7 and provides an elegant touch to any garden setting.
Big Ben Peony
Big Ben is an heirloom peony introduced in 1943. It produces rose-red, fully double blooms with a rich fragrance. This early-season bloomer is easy to grow and maintains strong performance year after year. Reaching 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil. Suitable for zones 3-7, it offers vibrant color and a delightful scent.
Blaze Peony
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Blaze’ is a reliable performer known for its bright red, 6-inch blooms. Flowering early in the season, it is perfect for cutting and stands out in gardens and floral displays. This variety grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Suitable for zones 2-7, Blaze adapts well to mild-winter areas, making it a versatile choice.
Bowl of Beauty Peony
Bowl of Beauty is a charming heirloom selection from the 1940s. Its unique blooms feature a cup of pink petals surrounding a creamy-white center, maturing to pure white. Blooming in early spring, the 7- to 10-inch flowers are excellent for cutting. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Suitable for zones 3-8, it adds elegance to any garden.
Burning Bright Peony
Paeonia ‘Burning Bright’ is a compact variety with pinkish-red blooms and cheerful yellow centers. Its lush, single flowers brighten gardens and floral displays. Blooming from mid to late spring, it grows 22 to 34 inches tall. It thrives in full to partial sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for zones 3-7. This peony offers reliable color and beauty.
Prairie Moon
Paeonia ‘Prairie Moon’ hybrid features soft ivory-yellow semi-double flowers with a soft scent. Blooming in mid-season, it displays staggered blooms for about six weeks. Thriving in full or part sun with well-drained soil, it grows 30 to 38 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide, suited for zones 3-8.
Raspberry Sundae
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Raspberry Sundae’ features creamy-pink blooms with a unique rounded petal cluster. Blooming mid to late spring, its 5- to 7-inch flowers are ideal for gardens and bouquets. Growing in full to part sun with well-drained soil, it reaches 30 to 36 inches tall and wide, thriving in zones 3-8.
Sarah Bernhardt
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt,’ an heirloom from the early 1900s, remains one of the most beloved peonies. Blooming in April and May, its soft pink flowers emit a sweet fragrance. Thriving in full sun with afternoon shade and well-drained soil, it grows 34 to 36 inches tall and wide in zones 3-8.
Spider Green
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Spider Green’ is a newer variety with lime-flushed white petals and intricate mid-season blooms. Its strong stems make it ideal for cutting and weather resistance. Growing in full to part sun with well-drained soil, it reaches 26–30 inches tall, thriving in zones 2-7.
Sweet Marjorie
Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sweet Marjorie’ offers medium to dark pink blooms with cut and twisted petals. This dramatic early to mid-season variety adds visual interest to any garden. Growing in full sun with well-drained soil, it reaches 28 to 30 inches tall and wide, suitable for zones 2-7.
Peonies Care Tips
Peony flowers are beloved for their large, vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance, making them a favorite in gardens. To ensure healthy growth and abundant flowers, it is essential to follow a few care tips:
- Planting Location: Peonies thrive in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Choose a sunny spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They do not do well in shady areas, as insufficient light can result in weak growth and fewer blooms.
- Watering: While peonies are relatively drought-tolerant once established, they still need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply but infrequently, ensuring that the roots are moistened but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as it can encourage mildew and other fungal diseases.
- Fertilization: Peonies benefit from annual feeding, particularly in the spring when new growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for flowering plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
- Support: As peony flowers can be heavy, particularly with the larger varieties, it’s important to provide support to prevent the stems from bending or breaking. Use peony rings, cages, or other support structures to keep the plants upright, especially when they are in full bloom.
- Pruning: After the blooms fade, remove the spent flowers to encourage fresh growth. In the fall, trim back the foliage to about 3-4 inches above the ground to help prevent disease. Peonies do not need to be pruned drastically, but removing dead or diseased foliage can improve overall plant health.
- Winter Care: In regions with cold winters, it is advisable to mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing. Apply mulch after the first frost, but make sure to remove it in the spring to prevent any rot from developing.
- Dividing: Peonies generally do not need to be divided frequently, as they can live in one spot for many years. However, if you notice a decrease in blooming or crowded roots, you can divide them in the fall, every 3-5 years. When dividing, make sure each section has at least one “eye” (a growth bud) to ensure successful replanting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, peony flowers are not only stunning but also relatively easy to care for, making them a perfect addition to any garden. With their vibrant colors, delightful fragrance, and graceful blooms, they can brighten up any space throughout the growing season. By following the simple care tips outlined, such as selecting the right planting location, providing proper watering and support, and ensuring appropriate winter protection, you can enjoy the beauty of peonies year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these timeless flowers are sure to bring joy and elegance to your outdoor spaces.
