Peonies can be an unusual but valuable addition to our gardens in California. There is a general timing gap between daffodil and tulip blooming which take place in February and March The month of April can be rather unexciting and rather uneventful. Roses come into bloom in May and June. It is peonies that bloom in April and May that fill in the gap in my garden.

They begin to grow during March showing red buds and then stalks which swelling into buds. The earliest peonies are the Coral Supreme and Coral Charm plants. These are followed by many other early varieties. Varieties such as Mrs. F.D. Roosevelt, Mons. Jules Elie, Festiva Maxima, Red Charm, Henry Bockstoce and others. The single varieties of Gay Paree and Doreen, Paula Fay and semi doubles of Coral Fay are on the early end as well.

Shortly afterward, the medium period bloomers such as Mr. Ed and Sarah Bernhardt emerge along with Ivory Victory, which is a stunning plant.

Peonies in the bowl above are Princess Margaret and Red Charm. The fragrance is apparent in the beginning of the opening progression but is fainter than those grown in cold weather areas. However, some do have more fragrance than others.

I encourage you to try this beautiful group of plants in your gardens.