Description of the 25 best varieties of herbaceous peonies with photos and names

Even the most exquisite varieties of herbaceous peonies are among the easiest plants to care for. Growing these beautiful perennials is accessible to everyone.
This page contains a selection of the best varieties of peonies with names and photos, which will allow you to choose the most beautiful flowers for your garden.

Content:

What varieties of peonies are there?
The best varieties of red peonies
Yellow peonies
Varieties of white peonies
Coral peonies
Pink varieties
Planting and caring for peonies

Herbaceous peony is a perennial plant. The above-ground part is a large number of stems with large leaves and flowers, up to 1.5 m high. The stems die off annually, unlike tree-like peonies.

The plant overwinters in the form of rhizomes with buds, from which flowering shoots grow in the spring of next year. The underground type of wintering of flower buds is the main advantage and distinctive feature of herbaceous peonies. Even in the difficult conditions of the northern regions, they do not freeze out and do not require shelter for the winter.

Varieties of herbaceous peonies

The main advantage of peonies is the aroma, which can be: lemon, spicy, narcissus, apple, floral. The most fragrant peonies are those with pink petals.
Varietal herbaceous peonies differ in flower structure, primarily in the shape of the flower:

Simple: consist of one row of wide petals, stamens and pistils.
Japanese: consist of a single row of petals and stamens transformed into petals, colored like real stamens.
Anemone-shaped: the flower consists of one row of petals and modified stamens, colored in the color of the petals.
Semi-double: several rows of petals interspersed with numerous stamens.
Terry: the entire flower consists of tightly seated petals, pistils and stamens are camouflaged among the petals or are not present at all, the pollen is most often sterile.

The most popular are terry varieties, which are, in turn, divided into subgroups:

Crowned – the outer petals are wide, large, arranged in one row. They are followed by numerous narrow ones. And the whole thing is crowned with a crown of wide petals.

This is what crowned peonies look like

Spherical, hemispherical, bomb-shaped – outer petals are wide and large.The inner ones are narrower, sometimes with a jagged edge. The flower is spherical or bomb shaped and, more often, double and large. The stamens are transformed into petals.

Globular peonies

Rosaceae – a densely double flower in shape resembles a rose. The petals are approximately the same size, large, wide, and compactly collected.

Peony with pink inflorescence

All varieties are suitable for garden decoration, but mainly those with light, simple, semi-double and Japanese-shaped flowers. In addition to guaranteed abundant flowering, they have a number of advantages: they do not freeze, do not require garter, and are easy to care for.

Red peonies

Karl Rosenfield

One of the most beautiful varieties that will look harmonious in any corner of the garden.

For its magnificent appearance and low maintenance requirements, it enjoys the well-deserved love of flower growers all over the world. Karl Rosenfeld is a light-loving plant that grows on almost any soil where there is no stagnant water.

The height of the stems is 80 cm.
The inflorescences are densely double, up to 20 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June-July.
Frost resistance -35°C.
Suitable for cutting.

When planting, the buds must be at ground level, otherwise the peonies may not bloom.

Moscow

Peony patio Moscow

Patio peonies are compact and low-growing, do not take up much space on the site, and can be placed in flowerpots on terraces and lawns. Moscow peony flowers fascinate with their beauty, painted in a festive ruby-red color, as in the photo. They emit a light pleasant aroma. The bases of the petals are darker than their edges, creating a slight gradient effect. The color of the petals does not fade.

The height of the stems is 50-60 cm.
The inflorescences are double, spherical, up to 16 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June.
Frost resistance is high
Suitable for growing in containers.

The shoots of the Moscow peony are large, strong, and do not droop under the weight of flowers.

Black Pearl (Hei hai bo tao)

One of the best dark varieties of peonies.

The petals are shiny, dark burgundy in the sun, looking almost black and velvety, with a faint, slightly sweet aroma. Does not require supports. Grows in sunny areas and is not picky about soil composition.

The height of the stems is 80 cm.
The inflorescences are double, crown-shaped, 12-15 cm in diameter.
Flowering in the middle or second half of the season, duration - up to 3 weeks.
Frost resistance -40°C.
Suitable for cutting.

Each rigid stem can bear up to 5 flowers.

Chinese silk

Chinese silk - semi-double, spherical, large flowers

A fast-growing variety with a large number of inflorescences. The stem is strong.

The height of the stems is 70-80 cm.
The inflorescences are semi-double large, up to 15 cm in diameter.
Flowering period: June-July.
Subtle aroma.
Universal use.

Buckeye Belle

This is an unpretentious variety that does well even with minimal care.

A flower with large dark red petals. There are large, bright stamens in the center. The shoots are straight and strong. It belongs to light-loving plants, but it also feels good in the presence of slight shade for 2-3 hours a day.

The height of the stems is 70 - 80 cm.
The inflorescences are semi-double, 15 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June.
Frost resistance is high -39°C.
Suitable for single plantings and flower arrangements.

You can grow the Buckeye Bell peony in most regions of Russia.

Felix Supreme

The flower is ruby red, shiny, densely built.

The flowers are large and heavy, so at the height of flowering the shoots require support. The shade of flowers changes unpredictably from year to year.

The height of the stems is 90 cm.
The inflorescences are double, pink-shaped, 17 cm in diameter.
Flowering time is the second half of June, the flowering is abundant.
The aroma is strong, pleasant, rosehip.
Suitable for cutting and decoration.

Yellow peonies

It took a long time to create yellow peonies because the yellow pigment is not permanent. In 1948, specialists from Japan managed to create a hybrid with yellow flowers, obtained by crossing herbaceous and tree peonies. Varieties of peonies with yellow petals received the common name ito-peonies, named after the scientist-creator, Toichi Ito.

Ito peonies are distinguished not only by the original color of flowers, inherited from the tree peony, but also by abundant long flowering, powerful growth, ease of cultivation and high frost resistance, acquired from the herbaceous peony.

Lemon Chiffon

The petals of this variety are light lemon in color with yellow stamens, dense, and do not fade in the sun.

The shoots are strong and do not fall under the pressure of the wind. It is the best among the varieties of yellow peonies, as confirmed by the photo. The flowers have a light aroma.

The height of the stems is 80 cm.
The inflorescences are double, bomb-shaped, 20 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: May.
Frost resistance is high.
Suitable for cutting.

The first two years the flowers are semi-double, but by the third year they become fully double.

Golden Chariot (Huang Jin Lun)

Unique, crown-shaped variety with long-lasting yellow flowers

One of the best Chinese varieties of yellow peonies with flowers, golden yellow in color. The stems are strong and the flowers do not droop.

The height of the stems is 80-90 cm.
The inflorescences are crown-shaped, 15 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June.
The aroma is subtle and delicate.
Suitable for cutting.

Yellow Crown

Hybrid "Yellow Crown" combines the best qualities of herbaceous and tree-like peonies

The flowers are bright yellow with a few red strokes at the base of the petals. Foliage with a gray-blue tint, very decorative.

The height of the stems is 100 cm.
Inflorescences are semi-double or double, 20 cm in diameter.
Medium flowering period.
Pronounced aroma.

Compact bushes produce from 40 to 50 yellow flowers in one season. The older the bush, the more luxurious its flower cap.

Garden Treasure

The Garden Treasure variety has won a large number of awards and prizes.

The plant develops quickly. The shoots of an adult bush are strong. The outer petals are golden, and the central ones have red-orange strokes at the base. On each plant, about forty buds open simultaneously and fill the area with a bright, pleasant aroma and beauty. Garden Treasure is resistant to adverse conditions.

The height of the stems is 120 cm.
The inflorescences are semi-double or double, large, 20 cm in diameter.
Flowering is extended.
Frost resistance - 40°C.

At a young age, shoots require garter; in bright sun the color quickly becomes faded.

White peonies

White peonies are called royal peonies because of their color, and they are used to breed varieties with other shades.

Golden Hairpins

A variety of Chinese selection with light flowers for gardens in landscape style.

The lower petals are white. The core of thinner petals is golden. Characterized by rapid growth.

The height of the stems is up to 85 cm.
The inflorescences are anemone-shaped, crown-shaped, 15 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: May-early June
The aroma is subtle and delicate.

In summer, the bushes form buds at the base of the stems, which remain viable until next year.

Golden Amulet (Qiao Lingi)

The outer petals are large, white, sometimes with a slight pink tint, the inner petals are long and narrow, light yellow, with a crimson center.

The bush is compact. Peduncles are strong, directed upwards and to the sides. Growth vigor is moderate, flowering is abundant.

The height of the stems is 80 cm.
The inflorescences are anemone-shaped, 16-18 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June.
Frost resistance is high.
Universal application.

Ice Breeze (Bing qing)

Petals are pure white. Many buds of perfect shape.

The variety is fast growing. Peonies are photophilous and grow well in areas protected from strong winds, with loose, fertile, well-drained soils.

Bush height 70-80 cm.
The inflorescences are double, spherical, 15 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June-July.
Frost resistance is high.
Universal application.

Peonies should not be planted near the walls of houses, where drops of water may fall on the plant from the roof.

Golden Sash

A fast-growing variety with white, spherical flowers tinged with ivory.

The flower is multi-layered. Valued for the strength of the stems.

The height of the stems is 80-90 cm.
The inflorescences are double, spherical, 17 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: July.
Frost resistance -40°C.
Looks great in group plantings and can be used for cutting.

The area with the peony should not be flooded for a long time in the spring.

Coral peonies

Peonies of the coral series have been delighting flower growers since the middle of the last century and are very popular.

Coral Sunset

One of the best in the series of coral peonies. Gold Medal of the American Peony Society in 2002.

A flower with 6-7 rows of huge coral-pink petals. As it blooms it turns peachy pink and then the color of baked milk.Such changes in color change are difficult to catch in a photo, only with your own eyes. There is one flower on each shoot. The aroma is weak.

The height of the stems is 90 cm.
The inflorescences are semi-double, 20 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: May.
Frost resistance -40°C.
Suitable for cutting.

On one bush you can see flowers of all shades.

Pink Hawaiian Coral

The variety was awarded the gold medal of the American Peony Society in 2000.

The flower petals are coral tones with creamy yellow stamens in the center. Once fully bloomed, the flower may have various apricot shades. The aroma of this variety is reminiscent of the smell of fresh hay. The stems are thick and strong.

The height of the stems is 80-90 cm.
The inflorescences are semi-double, 16-17 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: May.
Frost resistance -39°C.
Universal application.

Coral Charm

The variety was awarded the gold medal of the American Peony Society in 1986.

The Coral Charm variety has petals that can change color from dark coral pink to light coral, and later to light yellow.

Height of an adult plant: 100 cm.
Inflorescences are semi-double or double, 18 cm in diameter.
Flowering period: June-July.
Frost resistance: -34°C.

Pink peonies

The Charm of Sunrise (Yan Zhi Dian Yu)

Can be used for cut flower arrangements.

The petals, arranged in three rows, vary in shape and color. The bottom row consists of wide petals of a light pink shade, above it there is a lush cluster of narrower, creamy ones. These color transitions are reflected in the name of the variety. Towards the center the petals increase in size, the main color appears again in color, along which bright crimson stripes run.

The average height of the bushes is 70-80 cm.
The inflorescences are crown-shaped, 12 cm in diameter.
The variety blooms profusely at the beginning and middle of the season.
Frost resistance -40°C.
The aroma is pleasant.

Dew drop (Qi hua lu shuang)

Dewdrop is a magnificent flower with a tricolor inflorescence.

Deep pink outer petals, the middle of the flower with beige petals and a little pink again. Delicate, iridescent buds!

Bush height 90 cm.
The inflorescences are anemone-shaped, crown-shaped, 15 cm in diameter.
Flowering mid-season.
Winter hardiness down to -40°C.
The variety is suitable for cutting.

flock of butterflies

The plant is distinguished by its rich color and vigorous growth.

One of the first to bloom, the compact bush is covered with many pink flowers reminiscent of sitting butterflies. The flowers are deep pink, with large, intense yellow stamens.

Bush height 60 cm.
The inflorescences are simple, 8-12 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June.
Winter hardiness down to -40°C.
The variety is suitable for cutting.

Faded buds are carefully cut off to maintain the decorative appearance of the perennial.

Candy Stripe

Candy Stripe's stems are quite strong, so they do not need garters or supports.

Photophilous variety. The color of the petals is white with strokes of crimson and bright pink. Thin, long stamens are orange. After blooming, a faint, pleasant aroma appears. Varietal characteristics appear 2-3 years after planting. Not many flowers appear on one bush, but they are all large and bright.

The height of the stems is 80 cm.
The inflorescences are double, crown-shaped, 16-18 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June.
Frost resistance -40°C.

The variety can be grown not only in Central Russia, but also in the Urals, Southern Siberia and the Far East.

Pink cloud (Zhong sheng feng)

Fast growing variety. 3-5 flowers can bloom on strong shoots.

Each bush resembles an airy pink cloud, spreading a subtle aroma.

The height of the stems is 80-100 cm.
The inflorescences are double, crown-shaped, 11 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: June-July.
Frost resistance is high.

The variety is very unpretentious, grows well, and is ideal for beginner gardeners.

Bowl of Beautu

Beautiful in single plantings, in groups among the lawn, in ridges and mixed plantings. Indispensable in bouquets and compositions.

The lower petals are large, lilac-pink or pink. The central part consists of small, but very voluminous and fluffy yellow petals. The stems are strong. They bloom for a long time.

The height of the stems is 80-90 cm.
Japanese-shaped inflorescences, 18 cm in diameter.
Flowering time: May, June.
Frost resistance is high.

Don't forget to read:

The best varieties of tree peonies ⇒

Planting and caring for peonies

The decorativeness, productivity and longevity of the crop depend on proper agricultural technology, taking into account the biological characteristics of peonies.

Lighting is of great importance for herbaceous peonies. Lack of light affects the quantity and quality of flowers, but peonies can tolerate light shading at midday. In the shade, peonies do not bloom at all, but remain attractive.

Peonies are placed at a distance from large plants and buildings, as they may suffer from overheating, dripping from roofs, or snow debris.

The soil, most suitable for herbaceous peonies, cultivated loamy, well-drained and sufficiently moisture-intensive. To plant peonies in fertile soil, it is enough to dig it deeply and add organic fertilizers (peonies do not like manure, so compost or leaf humus is added to the soil).

Planting holes for the crop are dug in proportion to the size of the rhizome - 60 x 70 cm.On damp soils or in areas with stagnant water, a layer of coarse drainage (at least 20 cm) is laid at the bottom of the planting holes.

Landing dates for peonies are due to the early period of flowering and the death of above-ground stems for the winter. Peonies are replanted in the first - second ten days of September or at the end of August.

Peonies are not suitable for areas with close groundwater.

Distance when planting for herbaceous peonies - 90-100 cm. There should be a layer of soil of 4-5 cm above the upper bud of the planted division. If the buds are deeper, the plants, although they will grow well, will not bloom. If planted shallowly, the buds may be damaged by late spring frosts, and flowering will be weak. The roots should be positioned freely and should not be bent or pressed.

Watering at all stages of bush development they allow you to grow more spectacular peonies. Watering is carried out only during droughts, when there is not enough rain. It is better to water in the evening with warm water. You need to pour 2-3 buckets of water under each bush.

Bushes of varietal herbaceous peonies older than 7-10 years must be divided once every 5-8 years.

Dividing bushes It is recommended to produce in late summer or early autumn.

Bush pruning to prepare for winter, they are carried out when stable frosts occur. All above-ground parts at soil level are removed from plants. The sections are treated with wood ash to prevent rot and diseases. A layer of peat or compost mulch (minimum 5-7 cm) is placed over young and varietal peonies whose frost resistance is unknown. In spring, the shelter is removed only after sprouts appear.

Top dressing herbaceous peonies traditional:

At the beginning of the active growing season, use nitrogen fertilizers to stimulate the growth of green mass.
In the budding stage - complex mineral fertilizers.
At the peak of flowering - phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

In addition, do not forget about such agricultural practices as: