12 best varieties of peonies

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Peonies decorate many home gardens, public parks and squares. They delight with bright lush colors of white, pink, burgundy, crimson, yellow, red, purple, lilac shades, while they do not require intensive care at all. Today there are about 40 species and 5,000 varieties of this ornamental plant, and new hybrids are registered every year. According to flowering dates, they are divided into very early (May 30-June 1), early (June 5-10), mid-early (June 10-15), medium (June 15-20), mid-late (June 20-25), late ( June 25-30), very late (after June 30).

By origin, plants are classified into the following types: arboreal, herbaceous and shrub. The largest group, which includes 4500 varieties, is herbaceous peonies with large voluminous flowers and thickened stems. They take root well in different climatic zones, are not capricious, they can grow in one place up to 35 years. 12 varieties of peonies were selected for the rating, which were recognized as the best by both ordinary gardeners and flower experts.

Rating of the best varieties of peonies

Nomination	a place	grade	rating
The best herbaceous varieties of peonies	1	Sword Dance	5.0
	2	Mister Ed	4.9
	3	Armani	4.8
The best tree varieties of peonies	1	White Jade	5.0
	2	Vladimir Novikov	4.9
	3	Green Jade	4.8
Best ITO hybrids	1	Border Charm	5.0
	2	Copper Kettle	4.9
	3	Lollipop	4.8
The best varieties of peonies for the Moscow region	1	Coral Charm	5.0
	2	Peter the Great	4.9
	3	Festival Maxim	4.8

The best herbaceous varieties of peonies

Sword Dance

Rating: 5.0

The cultivar bred in 1933 becomes the leader among herbaceous peonies. Despite its long existence, Russian gardeners found out about it quite recently, but already appreciated its exoticism and incredible attractiveness. Translated from Japanese, the name means 'sword dance'. The petals are rich in bright lilac color. Against their background, yellow staminodes with reddish veins, which have very bizarre shapes, stand out as a bright spot. From a distance, the impression of a light glow is created. The diameter of the flower is 17-20 cm.

The leaves are emerald green. The bush reaches 90 cm in height. Flowering begins in late May-early June and lasts a month. The variety is undemanding and unpretentious. It feels good on any kind of soil, withstands low temperatures of frosty winters, hot summers, rains, wind, and is resistant to diseases.

The cultivar is often planted singly and no other ornamental plants are added so as not to distract attention from the original flower. But nevertheless, the peony looks good in compositions with snow-white, milky-peach roses and forget-me-nots, contrasting with them in shades. Slices stand in bouquets for a long time, delighting with their splendor.

Mister Ed

Rating: 4.9

In second place in our rating is a variety that is distinguished by its original, unusual color, thanks to which it has become popular among flower growers around the world. An adult bush has a height of 70 cm. Flowers are double, multi-tiered. Buds of different shades may appear on one stem: pink and white. The blossoming bowls, divided into two different colored parts, evoke admiration. On the one hand, the petals are frosty white, on the other – pale pink. The bloom is very abundant and begins at the end of May.

The aroma is light, delicate, does not cause allergic reactions. Stems are straight, very strong and firm. The foliage is dark green, dense. For landing, sunny, not blown by the wind places are selected, lowlands are excluded, where melt water from snow or after rains is collected. Watering is moderate. The variety is photophilous, therefore it does not bloom in shady places. It is resistant to frost, not susceptible to gray rot, practically does not get sick.

According to many gardeners, one plant looks like several peonies of various varieties located nearby. It is quite possible to do with a single planting in a flower bed and get a composition of different shades. Slices are used in bouquets. Air caps look weightless and elegant.

Armani

Rating: 4.8

The third place in the rating in this category is taken by the variety, which is recognized as one of the darkest in its category. The bush grows to a height of 90 cm.The rich maroon flowers become even darker over time. The shade is uniform. Wide petals, tightly adjacent to each other, form a voluminous ball that looks good against the background of bright green lush foliage. Stems are straight, strong, hold flowers well, not allowing them to bend down.

The excellent decorative effect lasts until frost. The foliage takes on a burgundy red color, so the bush looks festive even after flowering. The variety has high decorative qualities, for which it is distinguished by florists, using it in the preparation of bouquets and interior compositions, as well as landscape designers, creating various combinations of this variety with other plants or planting it alone.

The variety has gained popularity among gardeners not only for its deep pomegranate color, but also for its excellent endurance, high immunity to pests and diseases, and frost resistance. It is unpretentious during planting and does not require special care, it feels quite comfortable both in the sun and in semi-dark places.

The best tree varieties of peonies

White Jade

Rating: 5.0

The first line of the rating is occupied by an old variety, considered one of the whitest. Large semi-double flowers with a diameter of 17 cm look great in contrast to the dark green lush foliage. Silky frosty white petals. The stamens are bright yellow. The peony resembles another ancient flower – the lotus. The stems are tough, narrow.

A sweetish, slightly spicy scent creates a festive mood. Thanks to strong stems, even fully open buds do not fall and decorate the bush, and in the cut – bouquets. The peony does well both outdoors and in shaded areas. The powerful root system hardens quickly. It has been growing without transplant for more than two decades. During the flowering period, the shape is well preserved. Heavy rain does not affect the appearance.

Gardeners from all over the world have long singled out this rare variety among other tree-like peonies. Excellent characteristics of endurance in various climatic conditions, long flowering time, pleasant smell, immunity to diseases, unpretentiousness – these are the main advantages of 'White Jade'. With proper care, this amazing ornamental Chinese plant will delight you for a long time.

Vladimir Novikov

Rating: 4.9

In second place in our rating is the tree-like peony, which is striking in color saturation. The variety was named in honor of Professor, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Director of the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University Vladimir Sergeevich Novikov, who made a great contribution to modern science. The shrub grows up to 1.5 meters in height, forms a lush, rounded shape. Large flowers of intense beetroot-burgundy hue. Crimson stamens with bright yellow caps.

The opening of the buds begins in mid-June. The bowl reaches 16 cm in diameter. Semi-spreading bush. Up to 15 inflorescences are formed on one branch. The rhizome has one strong shaft with smaller branched roots. Dark green foliage looks proportionally with flowers. The leaves are narrow, delicate. The aroma is intense, heady, but does not cause headaches or allergic reactions. The peduncle is very strong, so the stems do not bend under the weight.

According to reviews, this is one of the most hardy varieties of this type. Winter hardiness is high. Disease susceptibility is minimal. According to many, it is an excellent decoration for both small garden plots and large green areas. It retains its attractiveness and brightness throughout the season.

Green Jade

Rating: 4.8

A unique variety, known among flower growers around the world, we are pleased to include in our rating. Its main feature is the color of the buds. When fully expanded, large, pale green spherical flowers are formed, reaching a diameter of 20 cm. The petals are very densely located to each other. The bush is sprawling, rounded, grows to a height of 150 cm. Woody rigid stems are erect, strong, strong. Leaves are oval, soft, creating dense vegetation.

The variety is distinguished by intensive growth, rapid strengthening of the rhizome, endurance, resistance to diseases and negative natural factors. Planting is recommended in fertile soils in areas protected from strong winds. It can be a sunny place or a partial shade. The best flowering occurs in the climate of the middle zone with hot summers and frosty winters.

The peony blooms in early June. The peduncle is very strong. Terry balls do not tilt to the ground. Cut long fresh and attractive. The variety is very often used by florists and landscape designers. Thanks to the original colors, peonies contrast with other plants, forming magnificent compositions.

Best ITO hybrids

Border Charm

Rating: 5.0

The first place in this rating category is occupied by the intersectional variety, bred in 1984. It is considered the largest yellow peony – the flower diameter is more than 20 cm. It is a semi-double type. The bud, blooming, forms a lush dome. The beginning of flowering is the twentieth of June. The petals are lemon yellow, the middle is scarlet. A powerful bush with a strong root system, grows up to 1 m in height.

The leaves are openwork. The mass of flowers is equalized by the mass of foliage. In a flowerbed, this variety looks great alone or in contrast to pink or red peonies. The decorative property persists after flowering, when the leaves turn from green to burgundy with a bronze tint. The mild, delicate aroma is reminiscent of lemon.

The variety takes root well on all types of soil, but planting in areas with a high content of groundwater should be avoided. Shoots grow quickly both in the sun and in partial shade. They are strong and they are not afraid of severe frosts, in one place they can safely exist for more than one decade. According to reviews, the peony, thanks to its unique colors, really becomes a garden decoration. The variety is widely used in floristry when drawing up bouquets and holiday compositions.

Copper Kettle

Rating: 4.9

The ITO-hybrid, which is very popular among gardeners, takes the second line of the rating. Bred in 1999. Flowers are semi-double-double. The original color delights the entire flowering period, which begins on June 25th. At first it is bright, red-orange with yellow blotches, then gradually changes and becomes light yellow. At the base, the petals have small purple spots.

The stem is strong, the leaves are dark green, delicate. The bush attracts attention not only with flowers, but also with rich spreading greenery. It grows up to 70 cm. The rhizome is powerful. The smell is fragrant, intense, but does not cause a headache. The shape of the flowers is retained even under the influence of adverse weather conditions.

Gardeners noted that the intersectional variety is unpretentious, adapted to Russian conditions, the only thing is to avoid planting in dense soils and in places with groundwater. It is not difficult to grow it, but the result will not keep you waiting long. Peony is extremely resistant to low temperatures, minimally susceptible to disease. In the cut, they are used alone in bouquets, in combination with other ornamental plants, or used as interior decoration at festive events.

Lollipop

Rating: 4.8

The rating bronze is a variety that attracts attention, standing out for its exotic color against the background of other ornamental plants. Translated into Russian, its name means 'candy'. And, indeed, flowers and buds look like delicious candy. They are painted in bright pink, yellow, red shades, forming variegated, terry balls. Flowering begins in early June. The bush reaches 90 cm in height. The diameter of the blossoming flower is 17 cm.

Many lateral buds appear on the stem, which significantly prolongs the flowering period. The aroma is not intense, light, pleasant. The variety is able to withstand severe frosts, down to temperatures of -35 °. It is resistant to any weather changes. With proper care, the bushes do not get sick and do not rot. Peony does not like open sunny places. The penumbra is an ideal landing site.

The foliage is lush, bright green. The bush grows to the sides, takes a rounded shape and looks very attractive on flower beds. Russian gardeners have long paid attention to this intersectional hybrid. It is durable, can delight with its flowering for several decades. It also retains freshness for a long time when cut.

The best varieties of peonies for the Moscow region

Coral Charm

Rating: 5.0

The herbaceous peony, the most popular of the coral group, was recognized as the best variety for growing in gardens near Moscow. Coral Charm – in the first place in the rating. A large semi-double flower reaches 20 cm in diameter. The bud, when blossoming, changes color. At first, the petals are red-orange, then they become coral-peach. Bright yellow stamens favorably set off the main tone. The stems are very strong and firm with a slight redness, do not bend under the weight. The petals are wide.

The bush grows up to 1 meter. Leaves are dark green, narrow. A sprawling spherical bush, even after flowering, remains a landscape decoration. The variety is unpretentious. No special conditions are required. The peony grows in any soil. Of course, the nutrient-rich is the most intense. 'Coral Charm' is frost-resistant, calmly endures mid-zone winters and bad weather. He is minimally susceptible to disease. It is planted in the open sun and in partial shade places.

The aroma is pleasant, delicate, with a spicy note. Cut peonies retain their freshness for a very long time. The variety is widely used in private horticultural farms and in the improvement of parks and squares. According to reviews, the coral peony meets all the requirements for growing in the climate of the Moscow region.

Peter the Great

Rating: 4.9

For gardening plots of the Moscow region, a tree-like variety is ideal, which our experts gave the second place in the rating. It fully lives up to its name. The spreading bush reaches a height of 1.5 meters. The semi-double flower has a diameter of 25 cm. The petals are colored dark beetroot with purple splashes. The core is fuchsia. Leaves of a rich green shade with light veins.

The variety takes root well in all types of soil. It is resistant to frosty winters, rain, temperature extremes. The powerful root system hardens quickly. Diseases rarely occur if properly maintained. This is especially true for watering. Otherwise, no special care is required. It is used for landscaping parks, squares, summer cottages, seated alone or landscape compositions.

According to reviews, this is a unique variety that becomes the central decorative decoration of the site. The large size of the bush attracts attention. During the flowering period, a bright, intense aroma is formed. The 'Peter the Great' variety is popular among florists. Bouquets with huge lush flowers are presented on anniversaries and decorate interiors. Flowers are preserved for a very long time in cut form.

Festival Maxim

Rating: 4.8

The rating is completed by a herbaceous variety of French breeding, which is in great demand among gardeners of the Moscow region. It combines all the characteristics to please with its incredible flowering for many years. The most important feature is frost resistance. Peony is suitable not only for central Russia, but also for Siberia. Stems grow up to 110 cm. Flowering begins in mid-June. An adult plant forms a sprawling bush with large, openwork leaves of a dark green hue.

Densely double flower reaches 20 cm in diameter, sometimes more. The petals are snow-white, towards the middle they become scarlet. The first outer ones have smooth rounded edges, the next ones have wavy, milled edges. Side buds with large opening grow on the stem, which ensures abundant flowering. Despite its size, the bush is resistant to lodging. The aroma is not very intense, weakly expressed.

Gardeners, among the many advantages, highlighted a high degree of endurance, a long flowering time, and unpretentious care. The variety is viable both in open sunny areas and in a little shade. Many recommend it as the most optimal for the Moscow region.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.