Every Green-Thumbed Enthusiast's Essential Guide to Varieties of Peonies
Peonies, a beloved perennial in European and American gardens since the 19th century, have a rich history that extends far beyond their role as a garden favourite. These stunning blooms have been celebrated for centuries in mythology and culture, and they continue to captivate gardeners and flower enthusiasts today.
Diverse Types of Peonies
There are several types of peonies, each with its unique characteristics. These differences primarily involve flower form, plant growth habit, and leaf structure.
Single Peonies
The single variety of peony features 5-15 saucer-shaped petals surrounding a dense center of yellow stamens, giving an open, simple appearance.
Japanese Peonies
Japanese Peonies are similar to Single types but feature a prominent cluster of showy staminodes (sterile stamens) surrounded by petals, creating a striking center.
Anemone Peonies
Anemone Peonies have a fluffy, cushion-like center of petaloid staminodes surrounded by one or two rows of petals, resembling the shape of anemone flowers.
Semi Double Peonies
Semi Double Peonies have multiple layers of petals that partly hide the central stamens, appearing fuller than Singles but less dense than Full Doubles.
Bomb Peonies
Bomb Peonies feature a "bomb" of dense petals or petaloid staminodes forming a rounded, ball-like center, surrounded by one or two rows of guard petals, creating a dramatic look.
Full Double Peonies
Full Double Peonies are densely packed with numerous petals and no visible stamens, forming a rounded, fully double flower.
Herbaceous Peonies
Herbaceous Peonies grow with green, non-woody stems that die back to the ground each winter and regrow in spring. They often bear single or double blooms.
Tree Peonies
Tree Peonies have woody stems and large flowers; they do not die back in winter, behaving more like shrubs than herbaceous perennials.
Itoh Peonies
Itoh Peonies (Intersectional peonies) are hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies, combining woody stems with herbaceous regrowth and often having large, colorful, long-lasting flowers.
Fernleaf Peonies
Fernleaf Peonies have finely cut, fern-like foliage instead of the broad leaves typical of other peonies, giving them a distinctive leafy appearance.
Unique Features of Each Type
Fernleaf peonies, for example, are dwarf forms and bloom very early with deep red flowers. Itoh peonies bloom a bit after herbaceous peony kinds, supporting the garden's color parade into summer. Itoh peonies are available in golden, coral, red, and white varieties.
Some common tree peonies include Black Pirate, High Noon, Vesuvian, Dusky Maiden, and Age of Gold. On the other hand, some of the more common herbaceous peonies are Raspberry Sundae, Miss America, Sarah Bernhardt, Shirley Temple, and Coral Charm.
Fernleaf peonies are more difficult to propagate and are therefore harder to find and more expensive than other varieties. Tree peonies are desired by true fans of peonies due to their large flowers and woody stem that can grow up to 5 feet tall.
Herbaceous peonies are long-lived plants that die back in winter but sprout anew in early spring. Itoh peonies are extremely cold hardy, withstanding temperatures in the United States Department of Agriculture zone 3b.
Japanese peonies have thickened stamens with a feathery appearance, while the delicate foliage of Fernleaf peonies stands out among the flowers.
Peonies in History and Culture
Peonies have a significant place in history and culture, particularly in China. In Chinese history, peonies were the main flower in the Imperial Palace Gardens and were named "Sho Yo", meaning 'most beautiful'.
In mythology, peonies are associated with Leto, Apollo, Paeon, Pluto, and the Trojan war. They arrived in Japan in the 8th century and became a symbol of good fortune and bravery.
In conclusion, the various types of peonies offer a wide range of choices for gardeners and flower enthusiasts. Each type has its unique characteristics, from flower form and structure to plant growth habit and leaf form. Whether you prefer the delicate beauty of Fernleaf peonies or the grandeur of Tree peonies, there is a peony to suit every taste.
Peonies' unique charm extends beyond their captivating blooms, as each type offers distinct features that cater to different lifestyles and home-and-garden preferences. For example, Itoh peonies, with their long-lasting flowers and cold hardiness, are ideal for maintaining a colorful garden throughout summer (lifestyle, home-and-garden, gardening). On the other hand, the dwarf Fernleaf peonies' early bloom and fern-like foliage add a distinctive touch, adding depth to your home-and-garden's aesthetics (lifestyle, home-and-garden, gardening).
