The Ultimate Guide to Double Peonies: Types, Varieties, and Care

Double peonies are a type of peony that produces large, showy flowers with multiple petals. They are a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts for their stunning appearance and sweet fragrance.

Double peonies have been around for centuries, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to ancient China. They have since been bred to produce a wide range of colors, including pink, white, and purple.

To grow double peonies, you'll want to choose a variety that's suitable for your climate. Some popular types include 'Sarah Bernhardt', 'Coral Charm', and 'Red Charm', which are all known for their large, double flowers.

Double peonies are a must-have for any garden, and for good reason - they produce dozens of blooms on each plant, like Karl Rosenfield which has dozens of blooms on each plant.

Strong stems are a must for these beautiful flowers, as they can get knocked over in a storm, as I learned the hard way when I missed staking the stems before a storm.

Intriguing read: When Is the Best Time to Plant Peonies

Karl Rosenfield and Duchess de Nemour are two excellent hybrid options, with Karl Rosenfield having the most impressive blooms.

Duchess de Nemour has slightly asymmetrical blooms, adding to its unique charm.

I have a special connection to my great grandma Pearson's hot pink double peony, which now belongs to four generations of my family.

Plant double peonies in a sunny, well-drained spot with slightly acidic or neutral soil for best results. They'll thrive with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow room for growth and air circulation. This will help prevent overcrowding and promote healthy blooming.

To ensure your double peonies thrive, water them deeply every 7-10 days for establishment, then reduce the frequency. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Planting peonies in a sunny spot with well-drained soil is key. A slightly acidic or neutral soil pH will help them thrive. Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for growth and air circulation.

Recommended read: Soil for Peonies

To plant, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and place the peony with the eyes facing upward, just 2 inches below the soil surface. Avoid planting too deeply, as this can hinder blooming.

Water your peonies deeply every 7-10 days for establishment, then reduce the frequency. This will help prevent root rot.

Here are some specific care tips to keep in mind:

By following these simple steps, you'll be on your way to growing beautiful, long-lasting peonies in your garden.

When you're ready to plant peonies, consider the timing carefully. Peonies can be planted in either spring or fall in most parts of the United States.

The optimal planting time may vary depending on your specific planting zone. You can find your planting zone here.

Spring is a great time to plant peonies, as the soil is typically well-drained and the cooler temperatures help prevent root rot.

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Fertilizing your peonies is a topic that gets overlooked, but it's actually quite simple. Peonies don't need frequent fertilization.

A well-prepared soil with compost during planting should provide sufficient nutrients for your peonies to thrive. This is especially true if you've taken the time to properly prepare the soil before planting.

Only fertilize your peonies once in early summer after blooming if the soil is poor. This will give them a much-needed boost of nutrients to carry them through the rest of the growing season.

Avoid fertilizing more than every few years to prevent over-fertilization, which can actually do more harm than good.

Take a look at this: Soil Ph for Peonies

If you're looking to bring some cheer to your garden, consider planting double peonies. Glorious, aren't they?

These flowers are extremely beautiful, but some commenters have noted that their season is quite short. This is a common issue with peonies, which can be a drawback for some gardeners.

To make the most of your peonies, try placing them in a spot with plenty of sunlight. You might also consider buying them from a store like Aldi, as one commenter did, and was pleased with the results.

Peonies can be a bit finicky, but with the right care, they can thrive. One commenter noted that the trouble with peonies is there is too much green and not enough flowers, so be sure to prune them regularly to encourage blooming.

If you're looking for a fun way to add some peonies to your garden, consider creating a themed display, like a "cheerleading" station with a fancy petticoat, as one commenter suggested.

Here are some tips for growing and caring for peonies:

It's worth noting that peonies can be a bit fragile, so be gentle when handling them. One commenter noted that their town used to have a beautiful display of peonies, but now there are only a few bedraggled plants left.

Double peonies are a popular choice for gardeners, and for good reason. They come in a variety of forms, including single, semi-double, and double flowers, with the double flowering variety being among the most popular.

The double flowering variety features full flowers with many petals and hidden stamens. This type of flower is perfect for creating a lush, romantic look in the garden or in cut flower arrangements.

Some of the most sought-after peonies feature large, fluffy double blossoms in shades of pink and white. These colors are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden or floral arrangement.

Here are some of the main flower forms of double peonies:

The Fragrant Mix is a must-have for any garden. This mix of fragrant double Peonies is a time-honoured classic that's hard to beat.

Paeonia lacitiflora is the variety behind this mix, and it's known for its silky petals and romantic shades. Plant them in full sun to enjoy their delightful fragrance.

The Fragrant Mix is very long-lived and care-free, making it a great choice for busy gardeners. This mix is perfect for adding a romantic touch to your garden.

The lush green foliage of the Fragrant Mix is also an exquisite filler in mixed bouquets.

On a similar theme: Peonies in a Garden

Bartzella is a variety of peony that boasts huge, yellow, semi-double flowers. It's a real showstopper, and I can imagine it adding a bright splash of color to any garden.

One of the standout features of Bartzella is its large blooms, which are sure to make a statement.

Tree peonies are a magnificent addition to any garden, with their woody stems and large, exotic-looking flowers.

They don't die back to the ground in winter like herbaceous peonies, instead forming woody trunks.

Tree peonies can grow up to 6 feet tall, making them a statement piece in any garden.

Some tree peony varieties are truly unique, such as one with soft yellow, semi-double flowers.

Discover more: Peonies for Garden

Peony types and colors are as diverse as they are beautiful. There are several forms to choose from, including single, semi-double, double, bomb, and Japanese.

The most popular peony type is the double flowering variety, which features full flowers with many petals and hidden stamens. These flowers are perfect for romantic bouquets and floral arrangements, especially those with large fluffy double blossoms in shades of pink and white.

Discover more: Peony Chinese

Some popular peony varieties include the Hana-Kisoi, which has light pink, ruffled flowers. Other varieties, like the Bartzella Itoh peony, have a slightly spicy scent, while the Singing in the Rain Itoh peony holds a soft, pleasing fragrance.

Peonies come in a range of colors, from pure white to shades of pink, red, coral, yellow, and even bi-colored varieties. The Itoh peonies, for example, have 3"–5" ruffled, double blooms that range from red, red striped, pink, pale rose, salmon, cream, and white to dark purple.

Here are the main flower forms of peonies: