The Ultimate Guide to Growing Gorgeous Peonies in Your Garden

Peonies are beloved for their stunning blooms and delightful fragrances, making them a must-have in any garden. If you’re considering adding these beauties to your flower bed this spring, you’re in for a treat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the wide range of peony colors available, planting and care tips, as well as some stunning varieties to consider for your garden.

Table of Contents

Why Peonies?

Peonies are perennial plants that can last for decades in the right conditions. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a versatile addition to any garden. From heirloom herbaceous peonies to tree peonies and hybrids, there is a peony for every garden style.

Planting and Caring for Peonies

Peonies require a bit of patience as they are slow-growing plants, but the reward is well worth the wait. Here are some essential tips for planting and caring for your peonies:

Cold Winter Requirement: Peonies require cold winters to induce plant dormancy, so they thrive in USDA growing zones below seven.
Staking: Peony blooms are large and heavy, so staking is essential to support them, especially after rainfall.
Fall Maintenance: Remove foliage in the fall to prevent disease and prepare the plant for the winter.

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Beautiful Peony Colors to Consider

While traditional peonies come in white, blush, pink, and red, modern breeding efforts have led to a fantastic array of colors and variations. Here are nine stunning peony colors to consider growing in your garden:

White Peonies

‘White Emperor’
‘Double White’

Pink Peonies

‘Double Pink’
‘First Arrival’
‘Jacorma Pink’
‘Joker’
‘Celebrity’
‘Raspberry Charm’

Red and White

‘Candy Stripe’: A double, white and red-striped peony that adds a unique touch to any garden.

Red

‘Red Charm’: With its bombe-shaped bloom and narrow inner petals, ‘Red Charm’ is a true standout in any garden.

Burgundy

‘Scarlet Heaven’: This Itoh peony features deep scarlet-red petals surrounding a golden yellow center, creating a striking contrast in the garden.

Red-Purple

‘Peter Brand’: Starting as a deep red bloom, ‘Peter Brand’ transitions into a beautiful purple over time, adding depth to any garden.

Purple

‘Agnes Mary Kelway’: While not a true purple, this variety appears purple and white when observed closely, adding a unique touch to the garden.

Yellow

‘Bartzella’: A pastel yellow Itoh peony with a rose-purple flare in the center, ‘Bartzella’ is sure to brighten up any garden space.

Coral

‘Coral Sunset’
‘Etched Salmon’

While blue peonies remain elusive, there are plenty of other mesmerizing colors to choose from to enhance your garden space this spring.

Fun Facts about Peonies

Pink peonies are the most popular color, followed closely by white.
There are no true blue peonies, making them a rare find among garden enthusiasts.
Peonies are known for their delightful fragrance, making them a favorite among pollinators.

In Conclusion

With their stunning blooms and alluring fragrances, peonies are a delightful addition to any garden. Whether you prefer classic white peonies or vibrant pink varieties, there is a peony color to suit every taste. By following our planting and care tips, you can enjoy these beautiful blooms in your garden for years to come. Don’t forget to explore the wide range of peony cultivars and hybrids to find the perfect addition to your flower bed this spring.