Please tell me which peonies you have enjoyed or admired most over the years,  I have my favorites, but once in a while another one takes my eye!

Coral Supreme, Red Charm, Mrs. F.D. Roosevelt are favorites, but this year I was knocked out by Duchess de Nemours which had an extraordinary bloom.  Perhaps this peony takes a long time to grow large enough to produce such blooms, but only by looking it up did I figure out what it was!

From time to time, Doreen, a single pink Japanese (large, fluffy center of yellow stamens) has been a favorite as has Mons. Jules Elie.  Also, Sarah Bernhardt which has dense pink petals is wonderful as is the sturdy Henry Bockstoce with almost a rose form.

Ivory Victory was spectacular years ago and I’ve located some again. etc. etc.

So, write to me and let me know what you like most and maybe I’ll learn some new varieties!

From left, Coral Supreme (fading), Princess Margaret, Doreen, Mrs. F.D. Roosevelt (several at different stages), Henry Bockstoce, and others.

Types of Peonies

Peonies are beautiful, hardy perennials that add elegance to any garden. They come in three main types: herbaceous, tree, and intersectional peonies. Each type offers unique characteristics and a wide range of colors.

Herbaceous Peonies

Herbaceous peonies are the most common type. They die back to the ground in winter and reemerge in spring. These peonies produce large, showy blooms and come in colors like white, pink, red, and coral. They can be single, semi-double, or double-flowered. Popular varieties include *Sarah Bernhardt* and *Red Charm*. They grow well in zones 3 to 8 and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Herbaceous peonies are perfect for garden borders or cutting gardens.

Tree Peonies

Tree peonies are woody shrubs that don’t die back in winter. Unlike herbaceous types, their woody stems remain throughout the year. They grow slowly but produce large, luxurious blooms in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and yellow. Their flowers bloom earlier than herbaceous varieties. *Shimadaijin* and *Kinkaku* are popular varieties. Tree peonies prefer dappled sunlight and slightly acidic soil. They are long-lasting and can live for decades, becoming more beautiful over time.

Intersectional Peonies

Intersectional or Itoh peonies are hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies. These peonies have the best qualities of both types: the large, colorful flowers of tree peonies and the ability to die back like herbaceous peonies. *Bartzella* and *Cora Louise* are popular intersectional varieties. They bloom later than herbaceous peonies, extending the peony season. Intersectionals are hardy and can grow in zones 4 to 9.

Each peony type brings beauty and versatility to the garden. Whether you prefer the classic herbaceous, the stately tree peony, or the hybrid intersectional, peonies are a timeless choice for any landscape.