A Guide to Peony Season and Varieties
Peonies are among the most beloved flowering perennials, prized for their lush, romantic blooms and intoxicating fragrance. Understanding their bloom times and the characteristics of different varieties can help you create a garden with extended peony season or simply choose the perfect plants for your space.
When Peonies Bloom
Peony season typically spans late spring to early summer, though the exact timing varies by climate, variety, and growing conditions. In most temperate regions, the season runs from April through June, with individual plants blooming for about 7-10 days.
The bloom season is generally divided into early, midseason, and late periods. Early varieties might bloom in late April or early May, midseason types peak in mid to late May, and late bloomers extend the show into June. In warmer climates, the entire season shifts earlier, while colder regions experience later blooms.
The Three Main Types
Herbaceous peonies are the most common type, dying back to the ground each winter and reemerging in spring. They typically bloom from late spring into early summer and include the widest range of colors and forms, from simple singles to extravagant doubles.
Tree peonies are woody shrubs that maintain their structure year-round, growing slowly to 4-6 feet tall. They bloom earlier than herbaceous types, usually in mid to late spring, and their flowers are often larger with more exotic coloring, including yellows and rich purples rarely seen in herbaceous varieties.
Intersectional peonies, also called Itoh peonies, are hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies. They combine the best of both worlds: the hardy, easy-care nature of herbaceous types with the large flowers and extended color range of tree peonies. They bloom between the two parent types, typically in late spring.
Popular Varieties by Bloom Time
Among early bloomers, 'Coral Charm' stands out with its stunning coral-pink flowers that fade to cream, blooming in early to mid-May in most regions. 'Early Scout' lives up to its name as one of the first to flower, producing deep red single blooms. Tree peony varieties like 'Shimane Chojuraku' and 'High Noon' also bloom early, offering dramatic flowers before most herbaceous types awaken.
Midseason varieties represent the heart of peony season. The classic 'Sarah Bernhardt' is beloved for its large, fragrant, apple-blossom pink double flowers. 'Festiva Maxima' has been a garden staple since 1851, with pure white double blooms flecked with crimson. 'Karl Rosenfield' offers deep crimson doubles, while 'Duchesse de Nemours' presents creamy white flowers with a yellow glow at the center.
Late-season peonies extend the enjoyment into June. 'Kansas' produces brilliant red double flowers that can withstand heat better than many varieties. 'Shirley Temple' offers soft pink buds that open to creamy white doubles. Among the Itoh peonies, 'Bartzella' is particularly prized for its lemon-yellow semi-double flowers that bloom late in the season with remarkable abundance.
Flower Forms
Peonies are classified by their flower form, which affects their appearance and sometimes their bloom time. Single peonies have one or two rows of petals surrounding a center of yellow stamens, creating an elegant, simple look. Japanese and anemone forms feature outer petals with modified stamens in the center that resemble petals. Semi-double flowers have multiple rows of petals with visible stamens, while double peonies are densely packed with petals, creating the classic full, rounded blooms most people picture when they think of peonies.
Extending Your Peony Season
By selecting varieties from each bloom period, you can enjoy peonies for 6-8 weeks rather than just a couple. Start with early tree peonies in April, transition to early herbaceous varieties in early May, enjoy the peak of midseason bloomers through late May, and finish with late herbaceous and Itoh varieties into June.
Climate also plays a role in bloom timing. Peonies require winter chill to bloom well, so they thrive in zones 3-8. In warmer zones, they may bloom earlier or struggle to bloom at all. In the coldest zones, the entire season shifts later, with blooms appearing well into June.
The magic of peony season lies in its fleeting nature, each variety offering a brief but spectacular display. With thoughtful variety selection, you can savor these magnificent blooms across many weeks each spring.
