Are you looking to add some beauty to your garden? Peonies are the perfect choice!
With over a thousand varieties to choose from, you are sure to find something that will bring a unique touch to your outdoor space. There are five main types of peonies to grow: tree, herbaceous, intersectional, Itoh, and lutea. Each type has its own unique characteristics and blooms, making them a great choice for any garden.
Tree peonies are the most popular, as they produce large, showy flowers in a variety of colors. Herbaceous peonies are hardy and easy to care for, while intersectional peonies are known for their unique and beautiful blooms.
Itoh peonies are a hybrid of tree and herbaceous varieties, while lutea peonies are known for their fragrant yellow flowers. No matter which type you choose, peonies are sure to bring a beautiful addition to your garden!
Five types of peonies to grow
When it comes to peonies, there are indeed five very distinct and beautiful types to choose from. From everyone’s familiar herbaceous and tree peonies, all the way to the lesser known, yet gorgeous, intersectional and Itoh cultivar, each of these elegant plants has something to offer.
With their lush foliage and abundant blooms, peonies are sure to make an excellent addition to any garden. Herbaceous peonies will always remain a classic choice for the flower bed. Featuring sweet-smelling blooms of breathtaking color, these generous plants will bring an extra special quality to your garden.
Plant these in humus-rich soil and in full sun for the best results. Enjoy the sight of flowers in shades of pink, white, and lavender, a popular choice among all ages. The ever-popular tree peony offer beautiful, pinwheel-shaped flowers that bloom during the spring season.
When planted in partial shade to full sun, these show-stopping plants will bring vibrant culture to your garden. Tree peonies can be easily spotted due to their woody structures and large blooms.
Use tree peonies in your garden or as specimens, either way they are sure to draw admiration. Far less popular, yet still quite striking, intersectional peonies are available in a variety of flower shapes and sizes.
Their smaller, more delicate blooms are adorned with an array of vibrant hues. Mix and match an array of blues, yellows, and whites to create a unique combination of garden beauty. Plant intersectional peonies in an open, sunny spot for optimal results.
Finally, Itoh peonies provide a newer, advanced variety of hybrid peonies. These charming plants are certain to bring heavy blooms of pastel pinks, whites, and reds to your garden. The bold yellow stamens that pop brightly contrast the beautiful petals and make Itoh peonies the most intricate and exquisite of the five. When it comes to selecting from the five types of peonies to grow, there are so many options that are simply too beautiful to pass up. So, grab your trowel and get growing! Whichever type of peony you decide to plant, you’re sure to enjoy the benefits of this remarkable flower for many seasons to come.
A. tree peonies
If you are looking for a stunning, striking and colorful addition to your garden, then why not consider growing tree peonies? Originating from East Asia, tree peonies are no ordinary perennial as they are stronger and last longer than traditional herbaceous varieties. With their incredible blossoming flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow and white, these veritable giants of the garden bring beauty and longevity to any outdoor space.
Tree peonies should not be confused with their bush counterparts as they have a single, woody stem with branches that arch gracefully. The most common tree peony varieties have an upright form and will typically reach a height of 120cm within three to four years.
They thrive in full sun and free-draining soils that are slightly acidic. In terms of cultivation, five types of tree peonies can be chosen to grow in a garden: Chinese tree peonies, Itoh peonies, rockii tree peonies, Gansu mudan, and hybrid tree varieties. The Chinese tree peony bears large, rose-like blooms, usually in tones of white or pale pink.
They are often scented, with a mild and sweet fragrance. On the other hand, Itoh peonies are a hybrid variety that combines the longer-lasting stems of tree peonies with the brighter colors of herbaceous varieties.
They also boast double flower heads, usually in magnificent shades of yellow, pink, or creamy white. For a dramatic, eye-catching and all-season plant, why not consider rockii tree peonies? These types of peonies have the longest flowering season, lasting up to three months, and their beautiful blooms are larger than both Chinese and Itoh peonies.
They come in a variety of colors, including gold, russet and mauve, and their petals are delicately ruffled. Gansu mudan is another show-stopping type of tree peony as they combine vibrant colors with distinctive double petals that have a soft, feathery texture.
Finally, hybrid tree varieties provide a mix of all the benefits of different types of tree peony – sturdy stems, vibrant colors and unusual shapes – into one amazing plant. Whether you choose just one variety, or opt for a combination, tree peonies will provide an interesting, enduring and fuss-free flowering feature in your outdoor space.
B. itoh peonies
As one of the most highly sought after plant varieties, B. Itoh Peonies are a favorite amongst green-fingered gardening enthusiasts throughout the UK.
These beautiful blooming plants make perfect additions to any outdoor space, thanks to their delicate petals and the delightful colors they provide. But with so many varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which ones to select. If you’re looking for a reliable variety of B.
Itoh peonies that will flourish in the UK climate, here are five types to consider adding to your garden: First and foremost, we must discuss the Bartzella. This vibrant flowering plant boasts petals that range from soft yellow to bright pink and apricot, and it is renowned for being incredibly vigorous and long-lasting.
Other B. Itoh varieties to consider include the Coral Charm, a soft pastel pink flower that can reach up to 30cm in height; the full-petal Festiva Maxima, boasting deep pink petals; and the delightful Sarah Bernhardt, with its sumptuous white petals and raspberry red stamens. Lastly, the Cactus Peony has very tightly quilled petals creating an unusual, textured cactus-like flower head.
With these five varieties of B. Itoh Peonies, you can create a stunning blend of shapes, colors and scents in your garden. Perfect for adding touches of character to your outdoor areas, these flowers will last for many years to come as long as you make sure to give them the care and attention that they need.
C. herbaceous peonies
If you’re looking to bring a splash of vibrant color and sweet floral aroma to your garden, then look no further than the herbaceous peony. Widely considered one of the most beloved flowering plants, peonies make a stunning addition to any garden. From vibrant pinks to a soft, subtle white, there are five gorgeous types of peony to choose from.
Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular types of herbaceous peonies. First we have the single row peony, known for the pale pink or white petals that each bloom is comprised of.
This type of peony has a famously intense fragrance, and its blooming season typically spans between May and June. If you’re looking for a more show-stopping option, then the double row peony is the perfect pick.
With around four rows of petals, this type of peony has a much fuller look and bright hue, and is stunning when used for cut flowers. The intersectional hybrid peony, also known as Itoh, is the perfect option for gardeners with a drier climate, as this variety is well-suited to hot and dry conditions. The blooms of this type of peony tend to be a lot more vibrant and unbelievably full, making them ideal for container and cut flower gardens.
For something much more compact, you might want to consider the semi-double peony, which has a delicate pink petal structure and strong but sweet fragrance. Last but not least, there’s the Bowl Peony, which is a hybrid between the Japanese tree peony and the Chinese herbaceous peony.
This type of peony has much larger flowers, and can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. No matter what type of herbaceous peony you decide to grow in your garden, you’re sure to enjoy the heady fragrance and eye-catching petals that come with these beautiful plants. And with so many types to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect variety to suit your unique garden.
D. intersectional peonies
Intersectional Peonies are a type of hybrid flowering plant which have become increasingly popular amongst keen gardeners in the United Kingdom. Intersectional peonies are a cross between tree, herbaceous and Itoh peonies. They are known for their stunning range of blooms and their very long bloom cycle.
The intersectional peony is a wonderful addition to any garden, allowing those with smaller gardens to enjoy the beauty of peonies without having to invest in more costly and space-demanding varieties. With the right care and regular maintenance, a single intersectional peony can produce a lush display of blooms for many years.
When it comes to growing intersectional peonies, there are five different types to consider. ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is a favourite amongst novice gardeners due to its relatively simple care instructions and abundant blooms.
This variety has fragrant double pink flowers which bloom from late May through to late June. ‘Apple Blossom’ has single pink and white fragrant blooms and can grow to around three feet tall, lasting from late spring up until early summer. ‘Coral Charm’ is a bright coral-colored variety with a good disease resistance, and produces an abundance of flowers from May through to June.
‘Black Beauty’ is a robust, fragrant variety that has dark reddish-black, semi-double blooms which appear from May to June and last for almost a month. Finally, ‘Coral Sunset’ produces double fragrant coral and cream coloured blooms throughout late spring and according to experienced gardeners, this variety has the best disease resistance and the longest lasting flowers. All five varieties of intersectional peonies you can choose from require little more than regular watering, regular fertilisation and the occasional trimming.
With the right care, these stunning and unique peonies will produce beauty and joy in any garden, and last for many seasons to come.
E. double peonies
When it comes to double peonies (Paeonia lactiflora), there is a world of beautiful blooms to explore. From shades of pink to magnificently patterned petals, double peonies boast a wide variety of color and texture.
Peonies are stunning planted in mass and can last up to two weeks when cut. Here are five spectacular types of double peonies to consider in creating your garden oasis. Firstly, the Coral Charm double peony has petals that are coral pink, flushed with salmon-apricot tones.
The semi-cupped blooms have an abundance of lightly ruffled petals with charming gold-edging. Secondly, for a vibrant pop of color, there is the Rubra Plena double peony, which has deep rose-pink petals surrounding a yellow center.
The unique patterning of this variety is quite remarkable. Thirdly, Scarlet O’Hara is a double peony with delicate, bright scarlet petals that are slightly ruffled. At its center, golden-orange stamens are delicately arranged in a cup shape.
Fourthly, the Festiva Maxima double peony has large, round blossoms, with white petals surrounded by a ring of deep purple. The contrast in colors makes for an exquisite display when planted in a garden.
Last but not least, the Sarah Bernhardt double peony boasts soft pink, frilled petals and is known for its sweet and fruity scent. This peony is an excellent choice for an early summer bloom. Double peonies are stunning when used in the landscape and bring a world of beauty to the garden.
Whether you’re looking for vibrant colors, sweet scents, or a classic garden staple, there are endless possibilities to choose from. With five types of double peonies to grow, you’ll be sure to create a magical oasis.
Planting and caring for peonies
Are you looking for some beautiful and luxurious additions to your garden? If so, you have come to the right place!
Peonies are gorgeous flowering plants with soft petals that come in a wide range of colors. They can be a stunning and eye-catching addition to any garden. Not only will they make your garden look fantastic, but they are also quite easy to taking care of.
There are five types of peonies, with lots of tantalizing varieties to choose from. First there’s herbaceous peonies, which are known for their large fragrant blossoms and lush foliage. Then there’s small tree peonies, known for their beautiful small flowers.
Intersectional peonies are complex hybrids of both herbaceous and tree peonies, which create a stunning mix of different colors, shapes and sizes. Lastly, the three Itoh peony varieties have an appearance that look like a cross between that of a typical tree and herbaceous peony.
Whatever type of peony you choose to grow, you’ll be guaranteed to discover a variety you’ll love. Planting peonies is easy and, once planted, will require minimal maintenance. Choose a sunny spot for your new plants as peonies need full sun for best growth and flowering.
If you are planting more than one peony in the same spot, be sure to allow at least 18” (45 cm) between each plant. When planting, put the root at the soil level and tamp the soil around the roots.
After planting, water your peonies well and keep the soil moist at all times to ensure optimal growth and flowering. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests, such as earwigs, and remove or spray as necessary. Whether you’re a novice garden enthusiast or an experienced one, planting and taking care of peonies is an easy and rewarding project. With these five types of peonies to choose from, you’re sure to find a variety that suits your garden. So why not add some beautiful peonies to your garden and marvel at their beauty for many years to come!
Benefits of growing peonies
Growing peonies can be a rewarding experience for gardeners of all skill levels. Not only are they beautiful and easy to care for, they offer a number of benefits that make them a must-have in any well-tended garden. From offering year-round interest to their disease-resistant nature, here are five types of peonies to grow in the garden – and why they should be at the top of your shopping list.
First is the herbaceous peony. These plants make excellent perennials, growing and producing blooms year after year.
Unlike many other flowering plants, herbaceous peonies have thick root systems and deep tap roots, making them extremely drought resistant and needing very little in the way of maintenance. Their blooms, which come in a range of colors and sizes, are fragrant and make excellent cut flowers for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements.
Second is the tree peony. Also known as ‘Usuhana’ in Japan, tree peonies can reach heights of up to 5 meters and, as shrubs, can live for up to 20 years.
They are best planted midway between late autumn and early spring and will require a little bit more maintenance than herbaceous peonies, with occasional pruning and deadheading of stems being necessary. However, they will reward your effort with beautiful and exotic blooms that will last for over a month. Third is the intersectional peony, or Itoh hybrid, named after the Japanese horticulturist Toichi Itoh who is credited with crossing herbaceous and tree peonies and developing these hybrids.
These are an excellent choice for a sunny and sheltered position in the garden and although they only bloom for a short period, the size and color of the blooms more than make up for the fleeting nature of their show. Fourth is the double flowering peony.
These are a unique variety, with bushy, ruffled double blooms in colors ranging from pink and white to yellow and lavender. Not only do they have full, beautiful blooms, but they also have a strong, fragrant aroma when in full bloom. As with many other types of peonies, these are easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of garden conditions. Finally, the anemone peony. These are relatively rare and have the distinction of being one of the earliest-blooming varieties of peony, with beautiful, lightly fragrant single or double blooms that appear in late spring and early summer. They can reach heights of up to one meter and once established will only need regular pruning and deadheading of stems. In conclusion, growing peonies in the garden can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you choose to grow the herbaceous, tree, intersectional, double or anemone varieties, their beautiful blooms and disease-resistant nature make them the ideal choice for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.
Final Touch
Peonies are a beautiful addition to any garden. There are five types of peonies to consider growing: herbaceous, tree, Itoh, Intersectional, and hybrid.
Herbaceous peonies have large, fragrant blooms and require little maintenance. Tree peonies are larger and have a more woody stem. Itoh peonies are a hybrid between tree and herbaceous, and have large, colorful blooms.
Intersectional peonies are a hybrid between two species and can be more tolerant of different climates. Hybrid peonies are a mix of various species and offer a wide range of colors and sizes. With these five types of peonies, there’s something for everyone!
FAQ
What are the different types of peonies?
The different types of peonies include herbaceous, tree, and intersectional. Herbaceous peonies are the most common type and are grown from a tuberous root system. Tree peonies are woody shrubs that grow from a woody crown and have larger, more showy blooms. Intersectional peonies are a hybrid of the two and have a bushier, more compact growth habit.
What are the best conditions for growing peonies?
The best conditions for growing peonies are full sun, well-drained soil, and a slightly acidic pH. Peonies also need to be planted in a location that has good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases.
What are the benefits of growing peonies?
The benefits of growing peonies include their long blooming season, their bright and colorful flowers, their low maintenance requirements, and their ability to attract bees and other pollinators.
How long do peonies take to grow?
Peonies typically take 3-4 years to reach full maturity and bloom.
How often should peonies be watered?
Peonies should be watered deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is particularly hot or dry.
What pests and diseases can affect peonies?
Common pests and diseases that can affect peonies include aphids, leaf blotch, botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and crown rot.
