Bring the beauty of peonies to your balcony with these stunning varieties that thrive in pots.
With lush blooms, rich colors, and delightful fragrances, these compact peonies prove you don’t need a big garden to enjoy their charm.
Pick the perfect one for your space and enjoy a season of breathtaking flowers right outside your door!
Best Peonies for Growing in Pots on Your Balcony
1. ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ Peony

Lush, ruffled petals in soft pink create an elegant display that stands out in any container garden.
A beloved classic, this fragrant peony is known for its resilience and abundant blooms.
With strong stems and long-lasting flowers, it’s a fantastic choice for a balcony setting.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall & wide
- Blooms: Large, soft pink, double flowers
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
2. ‘Coral Charm’ Peony

Vibrant coral-pink blooms fade to a soft peach, adding a dynamic touch to a balcony garden.
Early flowering and semi-double in form, these peonies bring a unique color shift as they mature.
Sturdy stems help them thrive in pots, making them a low-maintenance yet eye-catching option.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall & wide
- Blooms: Semi-double coral-pink flowers that fade to peach
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Charm’
3. ‘Bowl of Beauty’ Peony

Bright pink outer petals surround a creamy yellow center, creating a striking two-tone effect.
This peony offers a stunning contrast and an airy, delicate look that works well in smaller containers.
A light, sweet fragrance adds to its charm, making it a delightful addition to a balcony.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall & wide
- Blooms: Large, pink with a pale yellow center
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’
4. ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ Peony

Creamy white blooms with a hint of lemon fragrance bring a timeless elegance to any potted garden.
This heirloom variety is known for its full, rounded flowers and long blooming period.
Ideal for brightening up a shaded balcony corner while still thriving in partial sun.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall & wide
- Blooms: Large, double white with a soft yellow glow
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Duchesse de Nemours’
5. ‘Fernleaf’ Peony

Delicate, feathery foliage sets this peony apart, giving it a light and airy presence in a container.
Deep red, single blooms emerge early in the season, creating a striking contrast against the fine-textured leaves.
A compact growth habit makes it one of the best choices for small spaces.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall & wide
- Blooms: Single, deep red flowers
- Thrives In: Full Sun
- Botanical Name: Paeonia tenuifolia
6. ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’ Peony

Soft coral-pink petals with a golden center create a warm, tropical feel, perfect for brightening up a balcony.
Large, semi-double blooms open early in the season, standing out against deep green foliage.
Strong stems make it a sturdy and reliable choice for a potted display.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall & wide
- Blooms: Semi-double coral-pink flowers with a golden center
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Pink Hawaiian Coral’
7. ‘Shirley Temple’ Peony

Blush pink petals gradually fade to a soft white, creating a delicate and elegant transformation.
This peony offers a light fragrance and abundant, ruffled blooms that fit beautifully in containers.
A great choice for those looking for a romantic, timeless flower that thrives in small spaces.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall & wide
- Blooms: Double, blush pink fading to white
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Shirley Temple’
8. ‘Karl Rosenfield’ Peony

Rich, velvety red petals create a bold and dramatic statement in a potted garden.
This classic variety is known for its large, double blooms and strong stems, making it well-suited for containers.
A reliable bloomer with vibrant color that stands out against green foliage.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall & wide
- Blooms: Double, deep red flowers
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’