There is a fleeting window in late spring when the garden undergoes a dramatic transformation. One morning, peony buds sit tight and waxy, swarmed by curious ants; by the next, the border has erupted into a silken, fragrant opulence reminiscent of a Dutch Golden Age masterpiece. Though the spectacle rarely lasts more than three weeks, the sheer impact of the peony makes it a non-negotiable resident of the serious perennial border. To grow them is to participate in a botanical tradition spanning two millennia, bridging the imperial courts of ancient China with the modern cutting garden.
A Legacy Rooted in History
The peony’s journey began in China, where Paeonia lactiflora was initially cultivated for its medicinal properties before becoming a symbol of Tang Dynasty royalty. While tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) were once legally restricted to the Chinese elite, their herbaceous cousins eventually traveled the Silk Road to Europe.
By the mid-19th century, a “peony passion” gripped Britain and France. Legendary French breeders like Calot and Lemoine developed many of the classic double-form varieties that remain nursery staples today. Simultaneously, Japanese breeders focused on a contrasting aesthetic: the “Japanese” form, characterized by restrained elegance and a striking central boss of stamens.
Understanding the Four Primary Categories
Before planting, it is essential to distinguish between the four main types of peonies, as their growth habits and care requirements vary significantly.
- Herbaceous Peonies: The most common garden variety, these die back to the ground in autumn and re-emerge in spring. They are exceptionally long-lived and offer the widest range of fragrance and color.
- Tree Peonies: These are deciduous shrubs with permanent woody stems. They flower earlier than herbaceous types and produce massive, theatrical blooms.
- Intersectional (Itoh) Hybrids: A cross between tree and herbaceous types, Itoh peonies offer unique colors like yellow and copper. They possess the sturdy stems of a shrub but die back to the ground each winter.
- Species Peonies: Often overlooked, these offer a “botanical” look. Highlights include the lemon-yellow P. mlokosewitschii (nicknamed “Molly the Witch”) and the fern-leafed P. tenuifolia.
Selecting Your Varieties
When choosing a peony, consider the flower form, which ranges from simple “Singles” to “Full Doubles” and “Bomb” forms.
For classic elegance, ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ remains the gold standard for its apple-blossom pink, ruffled petals and sweet scent. For those seeking a white bloom, the 1856 heirloom ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ offers a lemony fragrance and sturdy stems. If you prefer a modern twist, ‘Coral Charm’ provides a stunning color shift from burning orange to pale peach. In the Itoh category, ‘Bartzella’ is highly recommended for its lemon-yellow petals and vigorous health.
Cultivation Essentials: Depth and Discipline
Peonies have a reputation for being temperamental, but they are actually quite hardy if a few non-negotiable rules are followed.
- Planting Depth: This is the most critical factor. Herbaceous peonies must have their “eyes” (pink buds) buried no more than 2.5cm deep. Planting too deep is the primary reason peonies fail to bloom. Conversely, tree peonies should be planted deep (15cm) to encourage the graft to form its own roots.
- Support: Large, double varieties often collapse under the weight of rain. Install peony rings in April so the foliage can grow through the support naturally.
- Sanitation: To prevent Peony Blight (Botrytis), cut all foliage to the ground in autumn and remove it from the site. This prevents the fungus from overwintering in the soil.
- The Ant Myth: Do not worry if you see ants on the buds. They are simply harvesting nectar and do not harm the flower or help it open.
Extending the Season
While a single plant flowers briefly, a strategic garden can enjoy peonies from late April to early July. Start with early species and tree peonies, follow with mid-season “Lactiflora” hybrids like ‘Bowl of Beauty’, and finish with late bloomers such as ‘Kelway’s Glorious’.
Though the season is short, the peony endures because it offers a level of sensory indulgence that no other plant can match. To plant a peony is to invest in a lifetime of beauty—a brief, glorious highlight that defines the arrival of summer.