Peony Kinds: 7 Stunning Varieties for a Vibrant Garden

Peonies are timeless garden favorites, admired for their lush green foliage and stunning, fragrant blooms in an array of colors — think pink, red, white, and even yellow. With such diversity, peonies are the perfect floral addition to any garden space. From classic herbaceous types to majestic tree peonies and modern intersectional hybrids, each kind offers its own charm and care requirements.

If you’re planning a garden that bursts with beauty, understanding the different types of peonies will help you choose varieties that fit your climate, soil, and personal aesthetic. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, there’s a peony out there waiting to thrive in your backyard.

Key Highlights

• Peonies bloom in shades like pink, red, white, and yellow.
• Major types include herbaceous, tree, and intersectional (Itoh) peonies.
• Each type has its own sunlight, soil, and watering needs.
• Peonies are perennials that can live over 100 years.
• Excellent for long-lasting cut flower arrangements and vibrant landscapes.

The History and Classification of Peonies

Peonies have a deep-rooted history, especially in ancient Chinese culture, where they symbolized wealth, honor, and prosperity. Today, they bloom worldwide, captivating gardeners with their vivid petals and symbolic meanings.

The American Peony Society classifies peonies by flower form, such as:

• Single
• Japanese
• Anemone
• Semi-double
• Bomb
• Full double

Understanding these classifications helps you pick the best peony style for your garden’s needs.

Herbaceous Peonies: The Traditional Garden Beauty

Herbaceous peonies are perhaps the most common and loved variety. These plants die back each winter and return in spring with new growth. With blooms lasting decades and minimal care requirements, they’re a reliable choice.

Top Herbaceous Varieties:

• ‘Krinkled White’ — Pure white blooms on 30-inch plants.
• ‘Seashell’ — Graceful pink flowers, reaching 3 feet tall.
• ‘America’ — Long-lasting, vibrant red blooms, great for bouquets.

Best grown in USDA Zones 3–7, they thrive with at least six hours of sunlight and weekly deep watering. Fertilize once a year if needed.

Tree Peonies: Garden Royalty with Woody Stems

Unlike herbaceous types, tree peonies have woody stems that remain all year. They produce enormous, exotic-looking flowers and can grow up to six feet tall. Ideal for Zones 3–8, they need only 3–4 hours of sunlight daily.

Popular Subtypes:

• Chinese Varieties: Intricate petals and rich colors like pink and lavender.
• Japanese Cultivars: Bold colors and dramatic shapes.
• American Hybrids: Hardy, colorful, and versatile in landscapes.

These peonies can grace your garden for generations with minimal fuss.

Intersectional Peonies: The Perfect Blend (Itoh Hybrids)

Intersectional or Itoh peonies are a cross between herbaceous and tree peonies. They combine the best of both: sturdy stems, massive blooms, and easy maintenance.

Top Picks:

• ‘Bartzella’ — Large lemon-yellow flowers.
• ‘Garden Treasure’ — Bright yellow blooms with a spicy fragrance.
• ‘Takara’ — Soft pink to creamy yellow as it matures.

These peonies can yield up to 50 blooms per plant and offer three weeks of spectacular color each spring.

Flower Forms: Single, Double, and More

Peonies come in different forms, affecting their overall aesthetic:

• Single Peonies: Delicate and classic, with visible stamens.
• Semi-double: Multiple rows of petals, but still showing pollen.
• Double Peonies: Full, lush blooms that hide the flower’s center entirely.

Popular Choices:

• ‘Imperial Red’ — Vibrant and bold.
• ‘Gertrude Allen’ — Pale and romantic.
• ‘Coral Charm’ — A color-changing marvel.

Choosing a flower form is as important as choosing a color — it defines the mood of your garden.

Peony Color Palette: From Soft to Bold

Peonies aren’t just about shape; their color range is equally impressive.

Standout Varieties:

• ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ — Elegant white.
• ‘Yellow Doodle Dandy’ — Cheerful yellow.
• ‘Coral Charm’ — Transforms from coral to soft pink.
• ‘Sunny Girl’ — Bright yellow turning chartreuse.

With careful planning, your garden can be a canvas of pastel softness or a burst of bold floral drama.

Essential Peony Growing Tips

To ensure thriving blooms:

• Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter, pH 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Minimum of 6 hours; more for tree peonies.
• Spacing: 3–4 feet apart for airflow.
• Watering: Deep soak every 7–10 days.

Plant them in the fall for the best root development. Once established, they need little more than basic seasonal care.

Year-Round Peony Care

Proper care ensures your peonies last decades, even centuries:

• Spring/Summer: Water regularly, especially in dry spells.
• Fall: Cut herbaceous types back to the ground after foliage yellows.
• Every Few Years: Divide if plants become overcrowded.
• Fertilize: Lightly if your soil lacks nutrients.

Whether designing a floral showpiece or adding timeless charm to a border, peonies bring vibrant beauty and longevity. From classic herbaceous forms to bold intersectionals, there’s a peony kind to suit every garden dream.