The best peony varieties for beginners
Peonies are known for being extra hardy, long-lived and easy-to-grow. But there are some varieties that have proven themselves beyond the masses to be great choices for beginning gardeners and those just looking for proven varieties that are sure to shine in the spring garden.
Read below for the list!
Sometimes it’s overwhelming to look at the available peony varieties and make a choice. Especially if you’re starting from scratch and haven’t grown peonies before!
Whether you are a new peony gardener or you have some and are looking to add to your collection, the list of suggestions below provides a tried and true collection of peonies that have proven themselves to be trustworthy garden cultivars.
You can’t go wrong with any of these popular and proven choices, as compiled by the American Peony Society.
Lactiflora varieties, known for fragrance and cut flowers
Elsa Sass - Double white, Gold Medal
Minnie Shaylor - Semi-double white, Gold Medal
Kansas - Double red, Gold Medal
Moonstone - Double blush, Gold Medal
White Cap - Japanese form red and white, Gold Medal
Krinkled White - Single white, Gold Medal
Herbaceous Hybrid varieties, known for diversity of color, form and habit
Etched Salmon - Double salmon pink, Award of Landscape Merit, Gold Medal
Mahogany - Single to semi-double deep red, Award of Landscape Merit, Gold Medal
Eliza Lundy - Bomb double red, Gold Medal
Red Charm - Bomb double red, Gold Medal
Coral Charm - Semi-double coral-pink, Gold Medal
Itoh/Intersectional Peonies, known for long bloom and disease resistance.
First Arrival - Semi-double lavender pink
Garden Treasure - Semi-double, cut flower, Gold Medal, Award of Landscape Merit
Bartzella - Semi-double, Gold Medal, Award of Landscape Merit
Unique - Single red, deeply dissected foliage
Cora Louise - Single to semi-double blush with dark flares
Sonoma Halo - Double yellow
