Peonies - One of our Favorite Perennials

Peonies are the kind of flowers that stand out in the landscape. With their lush, romantic blooms and soft fragrance, they bring a sense of timeless beauty to any garden. What many gardeners may not realize, though, is that peonies come in a few distinct types—each with its own charm, growth habit, and care needs. Whether you’re planting a new perennial bed or simply dreaming about spring, getting to know Herbaceous, Tree, and Itoh peonies is a wonderful place to start.

Herbaceous Peonies are the classic garden favorites. These die back to the ground each winter and return reliably every spring with fresh foliage and buds. They tend to be easy to grow, long-lived, and incredibly rewarding. A standout variety is Karl Rosenfield, known for its bold, double crimson-red blooms that make a dramatic statement in late spring. Another beauty is Lady Orchid, which features soft pink petals with hints of lavender and a delicate fragrance. Herbaceous peonies prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they benefit from staking, as their large blooms can become heavy. When planting, be careful not to bury the eyes (buds) more than about 1–2 inches below the soil surface—this is key for good flowering.

Tree Peonies are a bit different. Rather than dying back, they form woody stems that remain year-round, giving them a shrub-like presence in the garden. Their blooms are often larger and more delicate-looking, with a tissue-paper quality that feels almost ethereal. Keiko Adored is a lovely example, offering soft, romantic blossoms with subtle coloration that adds elegance to any landscape. Tree peonies prefer a slightly sheltered location with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. They appreciate rich, well-drained soil and minimal pruning—just remove dead wood in early spring.

Itoh Peonies, also called intersectional peonies, are a hybrid between herbaceous and tree peonies—and they truly offer the best of both worlds. They die back like herbaceous types but produce sturdy stems and large, often uniquely colored blooms like tree peonies. They’re also known for their extended bloom time and excellent disease resistance. Bartzella Itoh is a standout, with cheerful, semi-double yellow flowers and a light fragrance that brightens the garden. Cora Louise is another favorite, featuring creamy white petals with a striking lavender-purple flare at the center. Itoh peonies thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and their strong stems typically don’t require staking. Like herbaceous peonies, plant them shallowly to encourage blooming.

No matter which type you choose, peonies are remarkably low-maintenance once established. They prefer consistent moisture but dislike soggy soil, so good drainage is essential. A layer of mulch can help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, especially during hot summers. Fertilize lightly in early spring, and be patient—peonies can take a couple of years to settle in, but once they do, they bloom prolifically for decades. Also, peonies are deer-resistant, so for those gardens that have deer visitors it makes for an added bonus.

And of course, peonies aren’t just stars in the garden—they’re equally stunning indoors. Their large, ruffled blooms and soft fragrance make them a favorite for floral arrangements, from casual bouquets to elegant centerpieces. Cut stems when the buds are soft (often described as feeling like a marshmallow), and they’ll open beautifully in a vase, bringing that same garden magic inside.

With their blend of beauty, longevity, and charm, peonies are truly a garden treasure worth celebrating. Cactus & Tropicals carries all of the above varieties - and many more. Happy spring planting!

With their blend of beauty, longevity, and charm, peonies are truly a garden treasure worth celebrating. Cactus & Tropicals carries all of the above varieties - and many more. Happy spring planting!