15 Joyful Varieties of Peony Flowers

The peony, with its contradictory yet enchanting nature that epitomizes fragility and grace but is robust and enduring, encompasses a wide range of varieties of peony flowers, each with its unique features and characteristics. Its resilience is so remarkable that planting one in your garden may lead to its outliving you. The Paeonia genus offers a diverse collection of over 30 species and hundreds of varieties of peony flowers, some of which have been cultivated for thousands of years in China. The peony is a contradictory yet enchanting flower that epitomizes fragility and grace, but is robust and enduring.

These garden favorites can be categorized into three groups. Herbaceous peonies are typically cultivars of P. lactifola or hybrids, with P. lactifola as one of the parents. Fern-leaf peonies, a special type of herbaceous peony, are derived from P. tenuifolia. Paeonia suffruticosa cultivars are classified as tree peonies, with woody stems. Itoh peonies, also known as “intersectional” peonies, are hybrid crosses between tree peonies and herbaceous peonies.

There are many varieties of peony flowers. Peonies offer a wide range of gorgeous blooms that can add elegance and beauty to any spring garden. With a variety of types available, there is a perfect peony for every gardener. From single-petaled varieties that exude a simple, understated beauty to exuberant “bomb” forms bursting with layers of petals, peonies offer an array of options to suit any taste. The color range of peonies is also extensive, with shades ranging from pure white and cream to pale pink, deep magenta, and even vibrant red. With their lush foliage and sweet fragrance, peonies are sure to make a stunning statement in any garden.

1. Bowl of Beauty (Paeonia lactiflora)

Native Area: Nursery hybrid
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Height: 18–24 inches
Sun Exposure: Full

Bowl of Beauty is one of the remarkable varieties of peony flowers that stand out for its ability to hold its blooms upright, even after heavy rain. Unlike many other peonies that can droop or flop, Bowl of Beauty features strong stems that support its striking single-petaled blooms. This anemone form of peony is further accentuated by the narrow white filaments of its stamens, which create an additional layer of texture and visual interest. The sturdy nature of Bowl of Beauty makes it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of elegance to any bouquet or floral display.

2. 'Pink Hawaiian Coral' (Paeonia lactiflora)

Native Area: Central and eastern Asia
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Height: 32–36 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

It is also one of the most remarkable varieties of peony flowers. Pink Hawaiian Coral is a stunning peony variety that perfectly embodies the essence of spring with its beautiful sunrise-like shades. Its stunning hues helped it win the gold medal in the 2000 American Peony Society awards. The Pink Hawaiian Coral is a fast-growing and easy-to-grow plant, but its heavy blossoms may drop down to the ground after rain. Using grow-through supports can help keep them from getting muddy.

3. 'Reine Hortense' (Paeonia lactiflora)

Native Area: Central and eastern Asia
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Height: 32–40 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Reine Hortense is an enchanting peony that exhibits a remarkable color-changing quality, which makes it a fascinating addition to any garden. With its fragrant, showy blooms, this heirloom from 1857 initially appears white but gradually shifts to a delightful pink hue as the flowers mature, providing an ever-evolving display of captivating colors that can be savored by gardeners each day it blooms.

4. 'Miss America' (Paeonia lactiflora)

Native Area: Central and eastern Asia
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–8
Height: 2–3 feet
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Miss America peonies are renowned for their snow white, double flowers that bloom heavily and have won a gold medal for their exceptional hardiness, surviving zone 2 winters with ease. Though the buds may show a hint of blush in the early spring, the petals eventually unfurl to reveal a pure white bloom. It is important to test soil when planting these peonies and adjust the pH level to a range between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal health. One advantage of this variety is that it does not require staking.

5. 'Joker'(Paeonia lactiflora)

Native Area: Central and eastern Asia
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–8
Height: 28–32 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

With its attractive picotee edging, the fully double flowers of Joker peonies almost resemble giant carnations. For optimal blooming, this peony variety requires full sun exposure of at least six hours per day.

6.'Fairy Princess' (Paeonia lactiflora)

Native Area: Central and eastern Asia
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Height: 18–22 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

With its satiny red petals and striking yellow flares, Fairy Princess herbaceous peony adds a bold pop of color to any spring garden. This dwarf variety is perfect for planting on the edge of a garden border, where its showy blooms can be fully appreciated. For optimal growth, Fairy Princess prefers a rich, loamy soil that is well-drained. This peony is also easy to care for and won’t require staking to keep its blooms upright.

7. Cardinal Vaughan (Paeonia x suffruticosa)

Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to China
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Height: 5–7 feet
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

It is also one of the most remarkable varieties of peony flowers. Tree peonies offer a unique contrast to herbaceous peonies, as their woody stems persist throughout the year, providing structure and texture to the garden even in the colder months. Among the vast variety of tree peonies, Cardinal Vaughan stands out with its vibrant magenta purple blooms that add a bold pop of color to any early spring landscape. These plants can grow up to 7 feet tall over an eight-year period, making them a striking addition to any garden.

8. 'Buckeye Belle' (Paeonia)

Native Area: Nursery hybrid
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Height: 18–24 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Buckeye Belle, despite being introduced in 1956, has only recently garnered attention among peony enthusiasts, winning the 2010 American Peony Society gold medal and the 2011 Peony of the Year award. This variety is known for its lustrous garnet petals that stand out beautifully when paired with yellow columbines or tulips. The gold anthers add an extra touch of visual interest to the blooms. When planting Buckeye Belle, choose a location with well-draining soil and at least six hours of full sun per day for optimal growth.

9. 'Prairie Charm' (Paeonia)

Native Area: Nursery hybrid
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Height: 2–3 feet
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

If you’re considering adding peonies to your garden, it’s always wise to research some award-winning varieties. Among those, you might want to consider the Prairie Charm hybrid, a winner of the Award of Landscape Merit in 2009. This particular peony is lightly fragrant and blooms in midseason with semi-double pale-yellow flowers, adorned with red flares at the base of each petal. Even when not in bloom, Prairie Charm adds interest to the border with its upright form and deeply divided leaves.

10. 'First Arrival' (Paeonia)

Native Area: Nursery hybrid
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Height: 2–3 feet
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

First Arrival, an itoh peony, is aptly named for its early-blooming nature, setting it apart from its counterparts in the intersectional peony class. This particular variety boasts sturdy stems that can hold its beautiful flowers upright for up to four weeks, unless subjected to severe weather conditions. With its charming shade of pink, First Arrival can make a delightful addition to your spring cottage garden, but it requires sufficient space to ensure that it doesn’t have to compete for nutrients.

11. 'Charlie's White' (Paeonia lactifolia)

Native Area: Central and eastern Asia
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Height: 32–40 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Charlie’s White, a tall peony variety, boasts crepe-like petals that are irresistible to touch. This cultivar is readily available and reasonably priced, making it a popular choice among gardeners. Plant several to ensure a plentiful supply of neutral white blooms for your bouquets. Harvest these flowers just as the buds start to unfurl for your spring flower arrangements.

12. 'Jean Erickson' (Paeonia lactiflora)

Native Area: Central and eastern Asia
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7
Height: 32–38 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Jean Erickson is a strikingly beautiful peony that is sure to catch anyone’s attention in a midseason spring garden. This variety produces an abundance of blooms and serves as a bold focal point with its vibrant, deep-red petaloids that make up the majority of the flowers mass. Its unique appearance also attracts hummingbirds, making it a delightful addition to any garden.

13. 'Pastel Splendor' (Paeonia)

Native Area: Nursery hybrid
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Height: 24–36 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Pastel Splendor is an anemone-flowering variety of peony that is sure to please gardeners who love the color pink. As an itoh peony, it boasts the complete die-back of a herbaceous peony but has the eye-catching, deeply lobed leaves of tree peonies. Its blooms come in a range of shades, from soft pink to vibrant fuchsia, and its petals are arranged in a striking and unique anemone form. With its striking blooms and beautiful foliage, Pastel Splendor is a standout in any garden.

14. 'Bartzella' (Paeonia)

Native Area: Nursery hybrid
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Height: 2–3 feet
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Bartzella is an itoh peony that won the 2006 American Peony Society gold medal due to its extremely vigorous growth and luscious lemon hue. This variety grows quickly, producing 20 or more 6-to-8-inch flowers in its second year of growth, making it an ideal choice for gardeners eager to see the potential of their young peony bushes.

15. 'Raspberry Sundae' (Paeonia lactiflora)

Native Area: Central and eastern Asia
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Height: 30–36 inches
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Since 1968, the Chinese Raspberry Sundae peony has been a popular addition to gardens. Despite its delicate and pink appearance, this plant is quite hardy and can survive in zone 2 gardens. The fullness of this flower is enhanced by its many creamy flares, making it an attractive option for spring flower arrangements. Additionally, it offers a fragrant aroma that can fill a room. With just one cut bloom, this peony can be the centerpiece of your spring flower arrangement.