PEONIES

The Queen of the Spring Garden

Peonies are a stunning genus of woodland plants, prized for their exceptionally large, showy blooms that take center stage in late May and June. These garden favorites prefer rich, well-drained soil and are surprisingly low-maintenance once established.

Unlike many flowering perennials, peonies require very little fertilizer; a simple top-dressing of organic compost in the spring provides all the nutrients they need. To keep your plants healthy, keep an eye out for Botrytis, a black fungal growth that can cause stems to wilt. If you spot it, carefully prune the affected area immediately and dispose of it in the trash (do not compost it) to prevent the fungus from spreading.

Looking for the perfect addition to your mixed beds? Our garden peonies are hardy, clump-forming perennials that thrive in full to part shade.

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PAEONIA LACTIFLORA (HERBACEOUS)

Paeonia lactiflora is a herbaceous, low growing (1-2') clump-forming perennial. Commonly called garden peonies, they are ideal for mixed perennial beds in full to part shade (3+ hours of direct sunlight).

With May being a windy month on the Island, it’s important to remember that these garden peonies require structural support. Their giant, ornamental flowers become quite top-heavy and are liable to snap during spring rain or wind. At Vineyard Gardens, we carry specifically designed peony cages to ensure your floral show stays upright all season long. Be sure to pick some up with your next purchase!

Note: Herbaceous peonies die back completely to the ground in winter, returning with fresh growth each spring.

Paeonia lactiflora we’d like to highlight:

Moon River (double soft cream and pink fragrant flowers)
Sarah Bernhardt (double pink flowers)
Coral Sunset (semi double coral blooms)

Jan Van Leeuwen (single white flowers)
Laura Dessert (double white flowers)
Paul M Wild (double ruby red blooms)
Lady Orchid (double pink flowers)

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PAEONIA X SUFFRUTICOSA (TREE PEONY)

If you haven’t yet experienced the early-season magic of the Tree Peony, now is the perfect time to start. Unlike their herbaceous cousins, Tree Peonies (Paeonia x suffruticosa) develop a persistent, woody structure that stays above ground year-round. This slow-growing, substantial shrub solves the "flopping" problem of garden peonies, providing a sturdy framework that supports its massive flowers without the need for cages or staking.

These easy-to-grow shrubs produce breathtaking single or double blooms as early as May. Ideal for mixed borders and woodland edges, Tree Peonies can eventually reach heights of up to 6 feet, making them a true focal point in the landscape.

If you love the look of giant peony blooms but hate the hassle of support cages, the Tree Peony is your solution.

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ITOH PEONIES

The Best of Both Worlds

The Itoh Peonies are intersectional hybrids. First developed in Tokyo during the 1940s by Toichi Itoh, these stunning plants are a cross between the herbaceous peony and the tree peony. The result is a plant that possesses the "best of both worlds": the lush, clump-forming habit of garden peonies combined with the exceptionally strong stems of the tree peony. This means you get massive, show-stopping flowers that stand tall without the need for caging or external support.
Paeonia Itoh ‘Yellow Crown’: Features fragrant, double-yellow blooms with a striking hint of red at the base of the petals.
Paeonia Itoh ‘Cora Louise’: A showstopper with giant white petals and glowing, deep red centers.

We also carry a smaller quantity of the following:

Itoh Old Rose Dandy
Itoh Misaka
Itoh Takara

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The Cut Flower Standard

While the Netherlands remains the global hub for peony production, Alaskan growers have leveraged their long summer daylight to extend the availability of these blooms worldwide. Whether sourced from across the sea or across the continent, peonies remain a top choice for gardeners and florists alike. They are easy to grow, exceptionally long-lived, and offer a deer-resistant solution for fragrant, show-stopping spring bouquets.