Peonies: The 9 Must-Have Varieties for a Garden Makeover

Which element is the star of the show in your garden? Is it a water feature that brings an overpowering tranquility to the scene, a majestic tree that lends the space timeless elegance, or a secluded nook that teleports you to a foreign land? What if one focal point could offer you all this and much more in a single move— booming?

Valued for their jaw-dropping floral displays, peonies will not only lend significance and grandeur to your outdoor space, add bursts of various colors without requiring lots of attention, and fill the garden with delightful fragrance but also increase the value of your property, bring joy to your life, and help you connect with nature. Get ready to dive into nine exquisite varieties of peonies that serve as the best focal points! 

1.     Bartzella Itoh Peony

A testament to the exquisite blend of tree peonies and herbaceous peonies, the dazzling Bartzella Itoh Peony paints your garden with a stellar spectacle. Like other intersectional peonies, it proudly stands tall and doesn't require staking, giving you the luxury of putting on a fascinating display with minimal care. Come early summer, you’ll be dazzled by clusters of large, lemon-yellow fragrant flowers that radiate happiness and joy. Known to be one of the most captivating Itoh peonies, this peony plant has the unique ability to increase the number of peony flowers as it matures, making it one of the perfect peonies to plant for a bountiful show. Resembling a stylish, ruffled-up evening dress that draws all eyes to its playful elegance, the soft lemony petals of Bartzella Itoh Peony double as the perfect cut flowers. The Bartzella Itoh Peony's compact growth habit and high tolerance to pests and diseases make it a popular choice for gardens.

2.     Cora Louise Itoh Peony

Looking for an exceptional variety that adds an aura of tranquil elegance to your garden? The Cora Louise Itoh Peony captivates homeowners and garden enthusiasts with sprawling, semi-double white blossoms centered with a burst of lavender, bringing both a sense of serenity and a touch of royalty to the scene. These itoh peonies bloom in the late spring to early summer, and their sturdy stems keep them standing tall even in harsh weather, making them reliable beauties for outdoor enjoyment.  The compact size of this lovely plant makes it a perfect addition to smaller gardens or as a container plant. Named after horticulturist Toichi Itoh's wife, Cora Louise, this peony is a beloved variety among gardeners for its beauty and resilience. Planting peonies like Cora Louise comes with the anticipation of watching the robust peony buds unfurl to reveal an impressive spread of up to 9 inches across, breathing life into a dreamy escape!

3.     Coral Charm Peony

Distinguished by its unique ability to change colors, the Coral Charm Peony marries strength and grace with its cup-shaped, vibrant coral peony buds that gently transition to a softer peach as the peonies bloom. Set amidst deep green, glossy foliage, these peony plants begin their mesmerizing show in early summer and provide an artful display suitable for sophisticated cut flower compositions. These fabulous plants offer not just good looks, but also excellent durability, resistance, and longevity. To make sure they brighten up your space with their delicate, mind-soothing appearance, you need to learn how to care for this peony variety so you don’t let such a breathtaking view go to waste.

4.     Fernleaf Peony

The Fernleaf Peony isn't your typical peony bush, it stands apart with its finely divided fern-like leaves and exceptional color blends. A true spring herald, this herbaceous peony is one of the first to bloom, offering bold red peony flowers and a distinctive texture to your peony plant collection. The deep red shades are perfectly complemented with a splash of bright yellow, introducing a stark contrast that marries romance and playfulness. Unlike their fuller-foliaged cousins, the Fernleaf Peonies grab the attention with simplicity and a proliferation of fragrant flowers that add depth to the scene.

5.     Julia Rose Itoh Peony

Stunning in its chameleon-like color transformation, the Julia Rose Itoh Peony's blossoms evolve from cherry pink to apricot, and finally to a soft yellow, providing a dynamic display as these peony plants bloom. The success of these itoh peonies lies in their tree peony heritage, granting boldness and hardiness along with their colorful blooms. A fully matured Julia Rose offers a striking presence for the eye and an aromatic allure for the senses, making it an essential addition to every garden.

6.     Kansas Peony

Celebrated for its deep, dazzling magenta blooms that exude a luxurious fragrance, Kansas Peony, timeless in its appeal, boasts double-form flowers that are densely packed with lush, silky petals. Each bloom is a statement of style and depth, making this variety a standout addition to any garden setting or as the centerpiece of floral arrangements where it lends unrivaled sophistication and charm. Tolerant of various soil types and weather conditions, this low maintenance and long-lasting peony is an easy favorite for gardeners.

7.     Raspberry Charm Peony

The Raspberry Charm Peony is an enchanting perennial that transforms any average yard with its radiant display of raspberry-red petals gracefully surrounding a crown of vibrant, golden-yellow stamens. The charm of this variety lies not only in its striking color contrast but also in its lush, voluminous blooms that exude a soft, alluring fragrance. Emerging in late spring to early summer, these stunning flowers make a dramatic statement in any garden or as an exquisite centerpiece in floral arrangements.

Raspberry Charm Peonies are distinguished by their sturdy stems which hold the blooms aloft, eliminating the need for staking and ensuring the garden remains a showcase of natural beauty even in windy conditions. Plus, the dark, glossy green foliage provides a perfect backdrop, further accentuating the vibrancy of its flowers and making it a visual highlight from spring through fall.

8.     Red Charm Peony

A classic among peonies, the Red Charm Peony wins hearts with its deep red blooms that grow up to 8 inches wide. This lovely plant easily becomes the showstopper in any garden. Renowned for their intense color and size, these peony flowers creates a striking contrast with their lush green surroundings making it a rewarding choice if you want to step up the style game in your garden.

9.     Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony

Last but not least, the Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony - a single peony treasure that sets gardens ablaze with its radiant ruby red petals and golden yellow centers. Its impressive size, delightful fragrance, and splendidly saturated hue make it enchanting. Superior in form and function, with benefits inherited from both herbaceous and tree peonies, it's single-handedly capable of transforming your garden into an unmatched oasis.

In conclusion, peonies are more than just flowers; they beautifully embody resilience, perfection, and a myriad of colors into one exquisite package. Each brings its unique characteristics, display, and robustness to the garden. At ShrubHub Garden Marketplace, fulfilling your gardener's dreams is made easy. We offer a diverse range of exquisite peony varieties for you to choose from, each ready to bring your garden vision to life.

ShrubHub.com