Peonies are among the most beloved garden perennials, known for their lush, romantic blooms, delightful fragrance, and long lifespan. These showstoppers add a burst of color and elegance to any garden with their generous flowers, which come in shades of pink, white, red, yellow, and coral. Whether you favor herbaceous types, tree peonies, or intersectional hybrids, there’s a peony to suit every gardener’s style. Let’s explore 10 stunning peony plants you’ll love adding to your outdoor spaces.
1. Sarah Bernhardt Peony
One of the most famous peonies in the world, Sarah Bernhardt boasts enormous, fully double blooms in soft, delicate pink. This classic herbaceous peony blooms in late spring to early summer and is cherished for its sweet, old-fashioned fragrance. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Growing 3 feet tall, it makes a beautiful cut flower and an elegant addition to borders and cottage gardens. Its reliable nature and luxurious blooms make it a must-have for peony lovers.
2. Karl Rosenfield Peony
Known for its bold, deep crimson blooms, Karl Rosenfield is a dramatic and eye-catching variety. This herbaceous peony features large, ruffled double flowers that appear in late spring, standing proudly atop sturdy stems. Its vibrant color makes it perfect for adding contrast in mixed perennial beds. The blooms also make stunning cut flowers. Easy to grow, it flourishes in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. This heirloom favorite is loved for both its striking appearance and resilience in gardens.
3. Bowl of Beauty Peony
The unique Bowl of Beauty peony lives up to its name with its large, semi-double flowers featuring deep pink outer petals and a contrasting center of frilly, creamy yellow staminodes. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it reaches about 3 feet in height and thrives in full sun. Its cheerful, two-toned appearance adds a lively touch to any border or flower bed. With its lightly fragrant flowers, this peony variety is perfect for cutting gardens and ornamental displays.
4. Festiva Maxima Peony
A garden classic, Festiva Maxima features huge, white double blooms flecked with crimson at the center. Its dramatic flowers bloom in late spring and emit a fresh, clean fragrance. Growing 2.5 to 3 feet tall, it’s perfect for classic white gardens or mixed borders. This herbaceous peony prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Its sturdy stems and reliable flowering habit have made it a popular choice for decades, adding grace and elegance to formal and informal garden designs.
5. Coral Charm Peony
For a modern twist on peony beauty, Coral Charm delivers with its large, semi-double flowers in a rich coral-pink hue. As the blooms mature, they gradually soften to peach and creamy shades, offering a changing display. This early-blooming herbaceous peony grows about 3 feet tall and prefers full sun with well-drained soil. Its unique color makes it a standout in perennial borders, and its sturdy stems hold up beautifully in floral arrangements.
6. Shirley Temple Peony
Named after the beloved child star, Shirley Temple produces fully double, pale blush pink flowers that fade to ivory as they mature. This delicately scented, herbaceous peony blooms in late spring to early summer. Growing about 2.5 to 3 feet tall, it’s ideal for cottage gardens and cut-flower arrangements. Its soft, romantic color and compact growth habit make it a charming choice for front borders or classic perennial beds. It thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
7. Red Charm Peony
The award-winning Red Charm is a showstopper with its deep, rich red, fully double blooms resembling large, velvety pom-poms. This herbaceous peony blooms early in the season and is known for its strong, upright stems and exceptional garden presence. It grows about 3 feet tall and prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Highly prized in cut-flower arrangements, its lush, dramatic appearance and long-lasting blooms make it a standout choice for peony enthusiasts.
8. Itoh Peony ‘Bartzella’
A beautiful intersectional (Itoh) hybrid, Bartzella combines the best traits of herbaceous and tree peonies. It produces massive, semi-double to double yellow blooms with a hint of red at the center and a light citrus fragrance. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it reaches about 3 feet tall. Its sturdy stems and generous flower production make it a favorite for both garden beds and cut arrangements. It’s also more heat-tolerant and pest-resistant than traditional herbaceous types.
9. Tree Peony ‘High Noon’
For a touch of elegance and a slightly different growth habit, High Noon is a stunning yellow tree peony. It offers large, lightly fragrant, lemon-yellow blooms with bright golden centers in late spring. Unlike herbaceous peonies, tree peonies maintain their woody stems year-round and can reach up to 5 feet tall. High Noon thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and full to partial sun. Its exotic appearance and robust stature make it an ideal specimen plant in garden landscapes.
10. Peony ‘Do Tell’
Do Tell is an award-winning, Japanese-style peony with single to semi-double pale pink flowers and a center filled with vibrant, contrasting golden and pink staminodes. Blooming in mid-spring, it grows about 2.5 to 3 feet tall and brings a playful elegance to borders and perennial beds. Its soft fragrance and unique form make it a favorite among gardeners looking for something slightly different. It thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, returning reliably for years with minimal care.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking classic heirloom favorites or bold, modern hybrids, peonies offer a timeless charm to any garden. From the rich reds of Red Charm to the delicate blush of Shirley Temple, these 10 peony plants promise a burst of color, fragrance, and floral beauty each year. Mix and match early, mid, and late bloomers for an extended peony season and enjoy one of the garden’s most beloved perennial blooms.
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