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11 Rare Peonies You Might Not Know About

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Written By Sophia Martinez

Organic & Sustainable Gardening Enthusiast

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Home » Gardening » Flower » 11 Rare Peonies You Might Not Know About

Think you know peonies?

These rare finds challenge the ordinary with unexpected shapes and vibrant hues.

Check out our exclusive picks and add a fresh edge to your garden today!

Unique & Rare Peonies to Inspire You

1. Bess Bockstoce

Bess Bockstoce

Rich, deep red petals unfurl with a velvety texture, making this peony a standout in any garden.

Its large, double blooms create a dramatic contrast against the lush green foliage.

A strong stem structure helps hold these heavy flowers upright, perfect for stunning floral arrangements.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Bess Bockstoce’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
  • Average Mature Size: 3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring to early summer
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

2. Cornelia Shaylor

Cornelia Shaylor

Soft blush-pink petals with a hint of cream give this peony an ethereal, romantic charm.

The large, fragrant double blooms resemble fluffy clouds, making it a favorite for wedding bouquets.

Its sturdy stems and vigorous growth add to its garden appeal.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Cornelia Shaylor’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
  • Average Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

3. Lotus Queen

Lotus Queen

Delicate white petals with a subtle hint of pink radiate around golden-yellow centers, evoking the elegance of a lotus flower.

The semi-double blooms stand gracefully atop strong stems, adding a sophisticated touch to garden beds.

Its soft fragrance makes it as delightful to smell as it is to see.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Lotus Queen’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
  • Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring to early summer
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

4. Madame Claude Tain

Madame Claude Tain

Pure white, fully double blooms with a soft, creamy glow exude timeless elegance and sophistication.

The lush flowers are perfectly complemented by dark green foliage, creating a striking contrast.

Known for its mild, sweet fragrance, it’s a classic addition to any peony collection.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Madame Claude Tain’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
  • Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

5. White Cap

White Cap Peonie

Vibrant magenta petals form a bold collar around a fluffy, creamy-white center, creating a striking bicolor effect.

The unique Japanese-style blooms stand out with their contrasting shades and playful texture.

A light, pleasant fragrance adds to its charm in both gardens and vases.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘White Cap’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
  • Average Mature Size: 3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring to early summer
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

6. Firelight

Firelight peony

Blazing coral-pink blooms with golden-yellow stamens create a fiery spectacle in the garden.

The single to semi-double flowers glow with an almost luminous quality, especially in sunlight.

Compact and easy to grow, it adds a burst of warmth to any landscape.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Firelight’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
  • Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

7. Coral Charm

Coral Charm Peony

Radiant coral-peach petals gradually fade to soft apricot, giving each bloom a dynamic, sunset-like appearance.

The semi-double flowers are large and bowl-shaped, held high on strong, upright stems.

Award-winning for its vibrant color and long vase life, it’s a must-have for peony enthusiasts.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Coral Charm’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
  • Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

8. Lollipop

Lollipop Peony

Whimsical pink streaks and splashes decorate creamy yellow petals, making each bloom look like a hand-painted masterpiece.

This eye-catching Itoh peony blends herbaceous and tree peony characteristics, offering sturdy stems and lush, long-lasting blooms.

The playful color pattern adds a fun twist to traditional peony gardens.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Lollipop’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
  • Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring to early summer
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

9. Prairie Charm

Prairie Charm Peony

Sunny yellow petals with a soft greenish tint surround vibrant golden centers, giving this Itoh peony a fresh, cheerful look.

The semi-double blooms stand tall on strong stems, resistant to flopping even in heavy rain.

Its long bloom period and unique color make it a standout in any garden.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Prairie Charm’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
  • Average Mature Size: 2.5-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring to early summer
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

10. Old Rose Dandy

Old Rose Dandy Peony

Dusky rose-bronze petals with subtle copper undertones give this peony a vintage, antique vibe.

The semi-double blooms have a delicate charm, often shifting colors slightly as they mature.

With its strong stems and unique coloration, it adds a touch of old-world romance to modern gardens.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia ‘Old Rose Dandy’
  • USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
  • Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
  • Blooms: Late spring to early summer
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun

11. Fern Leaf Peonies

Fern Leaf Peony

Feathery, fern-like foliage creates a delicate, lacy texture that sets this peony apart from more traditional varieties.

Bright crimson-red, single blooms pop against the finely divided greenery, adding bold color to spring gardens.

Its compact size and unique look make it perfect for rock gardens and borders.

  • Botanical Name: Paeonia tenuifolia
  • USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
  • Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
  • Blooms: Early spring
  • Annual/Perennial: Perennial
  • Thrives In: Full Sun
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Sophia Martinez

Organic & Sustainable Gardening Enthusiast

Sophia has cultivated her gardening skills over the past decade, focusing on the care of both ornamental and fruit-bearing trees. Her deep understanding of sustainable gardening practices stems from a lifelong passion for nature and plant life. Beyond her professional life, Sophia spends her leisure time engaged with the natural world. She enjoys birdwatching and nature photography, capturing the intricate beauty of the ecosystems around her.

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