Introduction to Peony plant
Peony is one of the most beloved perennial plants with big beautiful blooms, intoxicating fragrance, and longevity in the garden. Peony bushes, as they are generally called, are easy to grow, native to Europe, Asia and North America, and can live decades with low maintenance.
The flowers of these plants range from pale pink to red, white, yellow and coral. Peony plants can vary in types and each will have its own peculiar characteristics. I am going to dive into the main types of peonies and some of the most favorite peony varieties.
Types of Peony Plants
There are three basic types of peony plant: Herbaceous, Tree and Intersectional (Itoh). Each type having its own special features of plants which makes them is well tried for specific garden settings.
Herbaceous Peony plant
The type that is most common is Herbaceous Peony plants and it is widely grown in gardens. In winter these perennials die back to the ground and emerge again in spring. These have large, fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer and filled with luscious bushy foliage. Varieties such as ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and ‘Karl Rosenfield’ are among the most popular.
Tree Peony plant
Tree Peony plants can be distinguished from herbaceous Peony plants due to their woody stems and survival through winter. It grows slowly, but it can grow up to 4–5 feet. Herbaceous Peony plants have larger and more delicate blooms than this form. Well drained soil suitable for growing Tree Peony requires little pruning. Well known tree peony varieties are ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ and ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’.
Intersectional (Itoh) Peony plant
The Itoh Peony plant is a hybrid between herbaceous and tree Peony plant, providing the best qualities of both. The hardiness and regrowth of herbaceous Peony plant is retained along with the tough stems and large blooms of tree Peony plant. Intersectional Peony plants are good examples of ‘Coral Charm’ and ‘Bowl of Beauty’.
10 Best Types of Peony Plants
Below are ten of the best kinds of peony plants that plant lovers enjoy for their good looks and hardiness.
1. Sarah Bernhardt Peony
A classic herbaceous peony, Sarah Bernhardt is said to have large soft pink double blooms with a sweet fragrance. Due to its lush, full appearance and long lasting vase life, it makes a great cut flower. This variety blooms in late spring to early summer, and is considered one of the most romantic varieties because of its ruffled petals.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
The Sarah Bernhardt Peony plant is one that grows best in full sunlight and well drained, fertile soil. To bloom properly, they need a cold winter period, so that their roots should be planted just below the soil surface. Watering regularly and sometimes fertilization encourage healthy growth and plenty of flowers.
2. Bowl of Beauty Peony
A striking herbaceous peony with brilliant pink outer petals surrounding a creamy yellow center, Bowl of Beauty is a lovely herbaceous peony. Its semi double flowers make an eye catching stand out in any garden. It is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies, and this variety.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
Well drained soil, and requires a sunny spot, is what the Bowl of Beauty Peony plant prefers. To avoid having their tall stems bend, they require protection from strong winds. Deadheading is regular and it makes the blooming period longer, and a layer of mulch helps the plants retain the soil moisture.
3. Karl Rosenfield Peony
Karl Rosenfield is an exciting and dramatic herbaceous peony in deep red, velvety petals. Its vigorous stems lend themselves well to be used in floral arrangements, and its bright shade stands out as a focal point in any garden.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
Completely frost hardy, Karl Rosenfield Peony plants need full sun and rich, well drained soil. They need to be staked but they need little or no maintenance. Pruning after the blooming season helps to maintain plant health and vigor.
4. Festiva Maxima Peony
A timeless white peony with crimson flecks on its petals, Festiva Maxima would be seasoned with a little orange blossom. Over a century old, this is a garden favorite with its elegant blooms and strong scent.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
A sunny spot with lots of air circulation is needed to avoid fungal diseases with Festiva Maxima Peony plant. Cold climates are where they thrive and they are helped by organic compost on the soil to increase the fertility of the soil. It encourages further growth by removing spent blooms.
5. Coral Charm Peony
Coral Charm is a unique intersectional (Itoh) peony that is first coral pink and eventually fades to a soft peach. Semi double flowers with strong stems which makes it an ideal cut flower.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
Coral Charm Peony plants need a full sun to thrive and also need well drained loamy soil. Once established, they are drought tolerant and minimal maintenance. This helps them maintain the lush foliage their name suggests.
6. Duchesse de Nemours Peony
Classic tree peony with creamy white, delicately scented flowers, Duchesse de Nemours. It is quite elegant in flower, with full, fairly heavy blooms.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
Partly sun to sun and well draining slightly alkaline soil are the preferred conditions of this variety. Best when protected from harsh winds, it requires minimal pruning. The mulch helps retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
7. Little Red Riding Hood Peony
This is a charming dwarf peony with bright red, cup-shaped blooms that are very fragrant. Because of its compact size, it would be ideal for small gardens and container planting.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
It grows well in full sun to partial shade in moderately fertile, well drained soil. This plant is relatively low maintenance and is resistant to most pests and diseases. Occasional fertilization enhances blooming.
8. Baroness Schroeder Peony
Amongst the luxuriant herbaceous peonies is Baroness Schroeder, a pale pink double flower. The soft fragrance and its ruffled petals make it an excellent choice for floral displays.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
Baroness Schroeder Peony plants prefer a site with rich, moist, well drained soil, in a sunny location. They are in need of annual feeding of a balanced fertilizer and need some support to keep their heavy blooms upright.
9. Monsieur Jules Elie Peony
Monsieur Jules Elie is a large, silvery pink blooming, old-fashioned herbaceous peony. The bountiful, fragrant flowers give a vintage touch to any garden.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
This is a full sun variety requiring well drained soil with good organic matter. Regular watering in periods of droughts is necessary with deadheading to prolong blooming.
10. Simplicity Peony
Simplicity, as the name suggests is a soft pastel pastel peony that is easy to grow and has a mild scent. That said, it is a perfect plant for beginners looking for a plant with no fuss.
Characteristics & Growing Conditions:
Simplicity Peony plants can tolerate most soil types, but should be planted in well draining, fertile soil. They require full sun and need to be planted with enough space so there is good air circulation. Protection of their roots from extreme cold during winter is helped by falling mulch.
Conclusion
Peony plants are a good thing to add to any garden as they are not only versatile but also as long lasting. Of all the varieties available, there is a perfect peony plant for every gardener. Whatever your taste, from a classic herbaceous Peony plant for its beauty, a tree Peony plant to give their grandeur, or an Itoh Peony plant with the vigor of a hybrid, these plants will give fabulous bloom every year. Selecting the proper type and variety enables you to drink in their beautiful flowers and delightful fragrance throughout the growing season.
