Peony Varieties: 40 Different Types of Peony Cultivars

Peonies are the classic garden flower that brings a landscape to life when they bloom. Their gigantic blossoms on a vase-shaped, bushy plant are something every gardener waits for each season. These long-lived perennials, some surviving for more than 100 years, add elegance and softness to any garden.

I am always adding peonies to client gardens. They are timeless, beautiful, and available in so many varieties that there is truly a peony for every taste and style. When I plant peonies for clients, I consider their personal style and the overall look of the garden before choosing the perfect cultivar.

There are countless peony varieties. Some have large, fluffy double blossoms, while others produce simple single flowers. They come in nearly every shade, including reds, pinks, whites, and even yellow. Most peonies grow up to 3 feet high and about 2 to 3 feet wide.

They also add interest after the blooms fade, thanks to their lush foliage, which ends the season with a beautiful reddish-orange fall color. Continue reading to learn more about peony varieties.

A Quick Note About Peonies

There are numerous ways to categorize peonies. The obvious is by color, but you can also group them by flower type: single, semi-double, or double. Another useful way to classify them is by structure. Peonies can be herbaceous, tree types, or Itoh hybrids, which are a cross between the two.

While double-flowered peonies are generally the most popular, many semi-double varieties have striking inner petals that contrast beautifully with the outer petals. Single flowers often bloom in great abundance on one plant and tend to be easier to manage because they usually do not require the staking that heavy double blooms need. These are all things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect peony for your garden.

I considered several ways to organize this list, but decided to present it in a completely random order, so you can browse freely and discover peonies you may not have considered before. Let me walk you through my favorite peony varieties to help you choose the ideal one for your garden.

Sarah Bernhardt

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ (Europe)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

I am starting off the list with a popular variety, and it might just be my favorite. The large double blossoms are huge, fluffy, and the softest light pink. This is the quintessential peony, perfect for cutting and making bouquets. The flowerheads are heavy and delicate, so the plant will need staking or a peony cage, and it is best planted in a sheltered spot out of the wind.

This peony is easy to grow, but because the blooms are so full, they do need support. It has a formal, elegant look. I love pairing it with soft pink roses. The peonies bloom first, then settle into a mound of lush foliage just as the roses come into full flower. Together, they create a beautiful, romantic pink display.

Festiva Maxima

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’ (Europe)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

Another very popular variety, ‘Festiva Maxima’ is a fluffy double white peony with striking flecks of red in the center. I love the added interest those red touches bring. They highlight the ruffled texture of the petals and make the blooms even more eye-catching. Plant it alongside other red flowers, such as red geraniums, to make the red flecks stand out even more.

This is a large, heavy-blooming peony that will need staking and, ideally, a protected planting spot. It also makes a wonderful cut flower thanks to its impressive size and classic white blooms.

Coral Sunset

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Sunset’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

I love this color. In 2019, Living Coral was Pantone’s color of the year, and I could not plant these in clients’ gardens fast enough. The vibrant coral on this peony is unexpected and absolutely beautiful. It is a semi-double flower with coral petals and a fluffy yellow center.

These peony varieties are sturdy, do not require staking, and are among the first peonies to bloom in spring. They bring such a cheerful burst of color to the early-season garden.

Kansas

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Kansas’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

The dark fuchsia double blossoms on this bushy peony are gorgeous. It is another one of the classic peony varieties found in many gardens, reliable and a prolific bloomer. The flowers make excellent cut stems, and the plant has sturdy stems that often do not require staking. It also tolerates periods of heat better than many other varieties.

If you love this peony but cannot find it, try ‘Karl Rosenfield’. The two are quite similar and are often used interchangeably.

Bowl of Beauty

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’ (Japan)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

This is the peony that comes to mind when I think broadly about peony varieties. It has a bright pink outer ring of single petals that opens to a bowl of soft yellow ruffles, which eventually expand and fade to a pale creamy pink. It is absolutely a feature plant, the kind that draws attention and admiration.

The fragrant blossoms are enormous, reaching 10 to 12 inches wide. Because the blooms are so large and heavy, this peony will likely need staking to keep the stems upright and supported.

Chocolate Soldier

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ (Japan)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

When I first came across this peony, it was such a wonderful surprise. In my mind, a peony was always pink or white. But when this one bloomed in a new client’s garden, it stunned me with its single row of dark chocolate wine colored petals and that bold pop of yellow in the center. Its rich, moody petals make a striking statement in the early summer garden.

Because it has single flowers, it usually does not require staking, which makes it a great low-maintenance option with plenty of visual impact.

Bartzella

	botanical name Paeonia ‘Bartzella’ (America)
	plant type Intersectional hybrid
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 4-9

Oh, this peony is one of my favorites. It is an Itoh peony, which is a hybrid between a tree peony and a herbaceous peony. Itoh peonies bloom later in the season, after the herbaceous varieties have finished. ‘Bartzella’ produces huge yellow blossoms that blush red on the inside. It has sturdy stems and does not require staking.

I live in garden zone 3, and this variety is only borderline hardy here. If you live in a lower zone and want to grow this peony, plant it in a protected area and cover it with mulch or leaf litter in fall for extra winter protection.

Fern Leaf

	botanical name Paeonia tenuifolia (Asia)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-2′
	hardiness zones 3-8

Fern leaf peonies are unlike any other peony. They bloom very early in spring with small pinkish-red flowers scattered across the plant, but the real showstopper is the soft, fern-like foliage that emerges long before many other perennials wake up. This early presence gives the garden structure at a time when most plants are still dormant.

Because it blooms so early, the foliage begins to look tired and yellow by late summer. Plant it among later-blooming perennials so you can cut it back once it starts to decline. This variety can get big and a bit floppy, so it may require staking. I love how it brings early-season texture and interest to the garden, sprouting up while everything else is still sleeping.

Bowl of Cream

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Cream’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Bowl of Cream’ is my favorite of the pure white peonies. It produces large, fluffy double blossoms in a soft creamy white that can reach an impressive twelve inches across, creating an instant focal point in the garden. Because the blooms are so substantial, this variety will need staking for support.

Give it as much protection as you can. In my experience, white peonies fade quickly in wind and storms, so a sheltered location helps preserve those perfect petals. ‘Bowl of Cream’ also makes wonderful cut flowers, bringing that elegant white softness indoors.

Green Halo

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Green Halo’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Green Halo’ is a truly unique variety. This semi-double peony features large, thick outer guard petals with a soft greenish hue that surrounds a fluffy white center. It has a modern, slightly quirky look that makes it wonderful for bouquets and arrangements.

Because the color is muted and subtle, it won’t shout for attention from across the garden. Plant ‘Green Halo’ closer to walkways or seating areas so people can appreciate that unusual green tint up close.

Francoise Ortegat

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Francoise Ortegat’ (Europe)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Françoise Ortegat’ is a deep velvety red variety that’s been around for more than 150 years. While it’s not as widely planted today, it’s absolutely worth a comeback. The rich magenta petals are beautifully ruffled and give the blooms a lush, romantic feel.

One of its standout qualities is its strong fragrance, making it an ideal choice for cut flower arrangements. The blossoms are large and intricate, so you’ll want to stake this variety to support its heavy blooms.

Miss America

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Miss America’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Miss America’ is a beautiful semi-double flower that starts off as a blushing pink bud. It then opens to a papery white bloom with a fluffy lemon-yellow center. The flowers are large and spectacular, like gigantic daisies.

This variety makes great cut flowers. The heavy blooms will need staking.

Wild Lactiflora

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Wild’ (Europe)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

This is one of the classic peony varieties found in many gardens. It’s simple, but bold and beautiful. A single row of fuchsia petals opens wide to reveal a bright yellow center. Because the flowers are single, they aren’t as heavy and usually don’t require staking.

In the pursuit of unique and unusual varieties, we sometimes forget the beauty of simplicity. These flowers are uncomplicated, long-lasting, and always charming. I love seeing pops of this variety throughout a bright, flowery cottage garden.

Shirley Temple

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

These beautiful ruffled double flowers really do resemble the cute dresses of Shirley Temple. The buds start off solid pink, opening to a soft pale pink before fading to a creamy white as they mature.

‘Shirley Temple’ is a fragrant variety and should be planted in a sheltered spot so hard rains and wind don’t damage the delicate blooms. It will also need staking since the blossoms are large and heavy.

Old Faithful

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Old Faithful’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Old Faithful’ is a red crimson variety. The buds start out a very dark blood red and open to a vibrant crimson. This double-flowering variety produces very large blossoms, and once fully open, you will notice a slight yellow eye in the center. It is fragrant, impressive, and striking.

The flowers are heavy and will need staking, and mature plants often produce a profusion of blooms on a single plant.

Honey Gold

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Honey Gold’ (Japan)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Honey Gold’ is a striking and fragrant variety with a single row of creamy ivory petals and a large, fluffy yellow center. It looks a bit like a beautiful floral fried egg. It also makes an interesting cut flower in a bouquet. These peony varieties grow quite large and may need staking to support the big fried-egg blooms.

Prairie Charm

	botanical name Paeonia ‘Prairie Charm’ (Japan)
	plant type Itoh hybrid
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 4-9

As a prairie girl myself, I do love this peony, even though Itoh peonies are only borderline hardy in zone 3 where I live. This Itoh variety is large and herbaceous, producing semi-double yellow flowers with a flame of red in the center.

It delivers many blossoms on a single plant, and the sturdy growth means it does not need staking. If you garden in a lower zone, plant it in a protected spot and cover it with mulch or leaf litter in fall for added winter protection.

Karl Rosenfield

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

This is another very popular and classic variety. I see this peony everywhere and yet it never ceases to amaze me. The double-flowering blooms are a bright magenta red and make beautiful cut flowers. These big, heavy blossoms will need staking. This variety and ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ are probably the two most requested peonies I plant in gardens.

Old Rose Dandy

	botanical name Paeonia ‘Old Rose Dandy’ (Japan)
	plant type Itoh hybrid
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

This is another Itoh peony, forming a large, bushy plant with plenty of big single blossoms. The flowers are a soft dusty pink with a touch of red at the petal centers, finished with a cluster of yellow stamens.

Itoh peony varieties generally do not need staking because they are a hybrid of a tree peony and a standard herbaceous peony, giving them sturdier stalks. This one is also only borderline hardy in lower zones, so plant it in a protected spot and cover it with mulch or leaf litter after cutting it down in fall.

Coral Charm

	botanical name Paeonia ‘Coral Charm’ (Japan)
	plant type Itoh hybrid
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Coral Charm’ is a lovely semi-double variety that blooms in soft shades of coral salmon. As the flowers open, they reveal a bright yellow center. The color has an old-fashioned charm that instantly makes me want to host a fancy garden tea party, and it adds a wonderful touch of whimsy to any space. These big, full, cup-like blossoms are quite heavy and may need staking.

Joker

	botanical name Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Joker’ (Asia)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Joker’ is a unique and beautiful peony with large, fluffy double blossoms. The flowers open a bright pink, then the centers fade to white, leaving a soft pink trim around the edges. The colors blend gently, with some blooms leaning more pink and others appearing closer to white.

Some photos show a very bold pink edge. You might see one or two blossoms like that, but most will have the softer blend of pink and white. These large double blooms are quite heavy and will likely need staking.

Buckeye Belle

	botanical name Paeonia ‘Buckeye Belle’ (America)
	plant type Intersectional hybrid
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

This is another one of the very popular peony varieties that are widely available. ‘Buckeye Belle’ has semi-double, deep velvet wine-colored flowers that open to reveal a touch of yellow in the center of the bowl. It is a medium height, sturdy peony that does not require staking, making it a great low-maintenance option for any garden.

White Cap

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘White Cap’ (Japan)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘White Cap’ peony is an underrated variety in my opinion. The buds are small and fairly nondescript, but when they open, you get a single row of magenta petals surrounding a plume of fluffy ivory petals. It is very fragrant and makes a beautiful cut flower. This variety is also sturdy and does not need staking.

Solange

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Solange’ (Asia)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Solange’ is a beautiful, big, fluffy double peony. It is a white variety with the faintest blush of light pink, giving the blooms a soft, romantic look. The flowers are very ruffled and quite striking.

Because they are so large, they will need staking. ‘Solange’ also makes a lovely cut flower and would be stunning in a wedding bouquet.

Diana Parks

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Diana Parks’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Diana Parks’ is a bright ruby red peony with full double blooms. It has a row of large outer petals and a ruffled, shaggy center of pure crimson. These fragrant peony varieties also make a wonderful cut flower. Because the blossoms are so large, they will need staking.

Krinkled White

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Krinkled White’ (Asia)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Krinkled White’ peonies are a simple but charming cultivar. The single flowers have large white petals with a bright yellow center, giving them a bit of a fried egg look. They are cheerful, reliable bloomers that produce plenty of buds and are often covered in flowers. The sturdy stalks usually stand well on their own, so staking is rarely needed.

Red Charm

	botanical name Paeonia ‘Red Charm’ (America)
	plant type Intersectional hybrid
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Red Charm’ is the classic red peony. It has a double bloom with a single outer layer of larger petals and a fluffy, ruffled inner flower. This variety is quite similar to ‘Diana Parks’ and the two are fairly interchangeable depending on what is available to you. The flowers are long lasting and heat tolerant. They grow on sturdy stalks, so they may not require staking at all.

Pink Hawaiian Coral

	botanical name Paeonia ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ (Asia)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

I love coral peony varieties. ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ brings a tropical vibe to the garden. It is a lovely semi-double flower in a light coral shade that gradually fades to a soft creamy peach. This early blooming peony has a wonderful fragrance, and each plant produces many flowers along its stalks. The big blossoms can be heavy and may need staking.

Bridal Shower

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bridal Shower’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Bridal Shower’ is a lovely pure white peony. This double variety features an outer row of large white guard petals surrounding a fluffy, frilly inner flower. Give this peony plenty of protection from hard rain and wind to keep the delicate blooms white and intact. The large flowers will most likely need staking.

Pillow Talk

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Pillow Talk’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Pillow Talk’ is a gorgeous soft pink double flowering variety that fades to a creamy white at the center. It is similar to the very popular ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peony if you cannot find ‘Pillow Talk’. This cultivar produces a profusion of pink double blossoms that are wonderful for cutting. The large flowers are quite heavy and will probably need staking.

Scarlett O’Hara

	botanical name Paeonia ‘Scarlett O’Hara’ (America)
	plant type Intersectional hybrid
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Scarlett O’Hara’ is as timeless and classy as the character herself. The single flowers are a beautiful scarlet red with a bright sunny yellow center. This is an old-fashioned and very delicate variety that I love. Because the blooms are smaller and carried on sturdy stems, these peony varieties often do not require staking.

Felix Crousse

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Felix Crousse’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Felix Crousse’ is a fabulous magenta double flowering variety. It is wonderfully showy, with many layers of ruffled petals, and it is also beautifully fragrant. The blooms are quite heavy and will likely need staking. They make incredible cut flowers.

Red Sarah Bernhardt

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora “Red Sarah Bernhardt’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is one of the most popular peony varieties, known for its large pink double flowers. So it should come as no surprise that the red form is just as beautiful. This cultivar is a deep red, which is unusual on its own.

Most red peony varieties lean either bright red or dark burgundy, but this one is a rich deep crimson that is wonderfully striking. It has the same full, perfectly formed double bloom as the classic pink ‘Sarah Bernhardt’. It also reportedly flowers a bit earlier than the pink variety, making the two a lovely pairing in the garden with a flush of red followed by soft light pink.

Edulis Superba

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Edulis Superba’ (Asia, Europe)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Edulis Superba’ is a wonderful extra early blooming variety. This very old heirloom cultivar is highly fragrant and produces medium-sized, bright pink double flowers. They make excellent early cut flowers. The double blooms can be heavy, so they may need staking.

Raspberry Sundae

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Raspberry Sundae’ (Asia)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Raspberry Sundae’ is a work of art. This beautiful, large double peony features blushing pink outer petals, followed by a layer of fluffy, ice-cream-yellow petals, and finished with another soft layer of the same blushing pink. The blooms make wonderfully unique cut flowers and have a lovely fragrance. Because the flowers are so large, they will probably need staking.

Lillian Wild

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Lillian Wild’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

The American Peony Society describes this flower as flesh colored that fades to white, an unusual but surprisingly accurate description. These are some of the largest double-blooming flowers, and they get even bigger with each passing season.

It is a later-blooming peony that flowers after the early varieties have finished. Because the blossoms are so large, plant it in a spot protected from wind and rain to keep the blooms beautifully white and intact. Staking will probably be required.

Avalanche

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Avalanche’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Avalanche’ peonies have large double blooms with big white outer petals that fade to the faintest pink blush, finished with a few red margins on the innermost petals. The effect is delicate and very beautiful, and the flowers make excellent cut stems. The heavy blossoms will probably need staking. Try to give this variety as much protection from heavy rain and wind as possible.

Cardinal Vaughan

	botanical name Paeonia x suffruticosa ‘Cardinal Vaughan’ (United Kingdom)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

This peony is the only one on the list that is a tree peony, which means it grows as a deciduous shrub rather than a herbaceous perennial that gets cut down each season. The blooms are a deeper red that almost leans purple.

This variety is only cold-hardy to zone 5. It produces semi-double flowers with fuchsia pink outer petals and a bright yellow center. It is a unique and striking addition to any peony collection.

Goldilocks

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Goldilocks’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8

‘Goldilocks’ is a beautiful double peony with large outer petals surrounding a fluffy bomb of inner petals. The entire flower is a soft, pale butter yellow. I love this pure yellow tone, and it makes an excellent cut flower. The gentle color is an unexpected surprise in a peony. The large double blooms are heavy and will most likely need staking.

Class Act

	botanical name Paeonia lactiflora ‘Class Act’ (America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3′
	hardiness zones 3-8