How to Grow Peonies: The Complete American Gardener’s Guide

Peonies are among America’s most beloved perennial flowers, gracing gardens with their spectacular blooms and intoxicating fragrance for over a century. These stunning plants, known for their large, ruffled flowers and long lifespan, can thrive for decades with proper care. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced horticulturist, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about growing peonies successfully in American gardens.

Understanding Peonies: America’s Garden Treasures

Peonies (Paeonia) are herbaceous perennials that have captured the hearts of American gardeners since the 1800s. These magnificent plants produce some of the largest and most fragrant flowers in the garden, with blooms ranging from 3 to 10 inches across. Native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America, peonies have adapted beautifully to various American climate zones.

The most common types grown in American gardens include herbaceous peonies, which die back to the ground each winter, and tree peonies, which maintain woody stems year-round. Herbaceous peonies are particularly popular due to their reliability and spectacular spring display.

Best Peony Varieties for American Gardens

Early Season Bloomers (May)

Coral Charm stands out as one of the most popular early-blooming peonies in American gardens. This award-winning variety produces coral-pink flowers that fade to cream, creating a stunning color transition throughout the blooming period.

Pink Dawn offers delicate single pink flowers with prominent golden stamens, perfect for gardeners who prefer a more natural look.

Mid-Season Favorites (Late May to Early June)

Complete guide to grow Peonies on next page.