All varieties of peonies: description of the TOP 50 best species with characteristics

These spectacular perennial flowers are grown in their gardens by many gardeners. There are about 34 species in the genus of Peonies, and there are more than 5000 varieties. Most of them belong to herbaceous varieties, and only 500 are tree-like. Of all the varieties of peonies bred by breeders, everyone will be able to choose a copy to their taste, suitable for the climatic features of the region.

What are the types of peonies

Regardless of the color of the petals, and it varies from snow-white to rich burgundy, all peonies are divided into 5 groups:

1. The first group includes non-double varieties of flowers with no more than 10 petals. They are arranged in one or two rows, and in the middle are pistils surrounded by stamens. A characteristic feature of the group is straight and strong stems.
2. The next group is anemone peonies. Usually there are 5 petals in a bud, but there may be more, they are arranged in 2 or 3 rows. The stamens of such flowers are modified, they completely fill the middle of the bud.
3. Japanese peonies are a transitional type from a simple flower to a double one. Modified stamens are petal-shaped, in some cases they are bent down, thus forming a pillow. The shade of the stamens is contrasting with the petals or the same (pink, yellow, red).
4. Semi-double group varieties are characterized by five or more petals. Their stamens are modified, normally developed and petaloid. Arranged annularly, they alternate with each other. A characteristic feature of all varieties of this group is a long-lasting fresh cut.
5. The flowers of the terry group have more than 5 petals, they are quite wide. In most terry varieties, the stamens are modified into petals, however, there are varieties with normally developed pistils and stamens hidden by petals.

Another classification is carried out according to the timing of flowering peonies: early, medium early, medium, medium late, late, very late.

Best varieties

For decades of growing peonies, gardeners have identified the most beautiful varieties that are always popular.

Among them:

1. Sarah Bernard. The variety was bred in the 19th century, but still has not lost its popularity. Raspberry-pink buds are about 20 cm in diameter and exude a light, pleasant aroma during the flowering period, which begins in the second half of June. The bushes of the variety are tall and strong; when grown, they do not need a garter, as the stems are strong and do not bend to the ground under the weight of the buds.
2. Qiao sisters. One of the rare and amazing varieties, its peculiarity is the two-tone shade of the petals. One half is purplish red and the other is creamy white. The diameter of the bud of this variety is about 16 cm, and the height of the bush is within 120-130 cm. The flowering period falls on June.
3. Pastel Splendor. The variety belongs to ITO hybrids and does not exceed 70 cm in height. The bush is compact, neat, therefore it is suitable for growing in small flower beds. The diameter of the bud is about 16 cm, there are up to 70 of them on one bush. The color of the petals is cream, pink or white, the core is bright yellow. During flowering, peonies exude a pleasant and light aroma.

Pink Flowers

Among peonies with pink petals, there are representatives of all groups. The most popular ones:

1. Solange. This spectacular variety was bred by French breeders a century ago.In diameter, the bud does not exceed 18 cm, and the petals have a pastel cream and pale pink color. You can grow this variety of peonies in almost any region, as the plant is resistant to the vagaries of the weather and has high immunity.
2. Ballerina. One of the representatives of the early flowering group, the first buds bloom in the last days of May. The Ballerina was bred by a breeder from America. The diameter of the flower varies between 14-16 cm, and the height of the bush does not exceed 80 cm. Terry petals in the first days of flowering have a creamy tone with a greenish tint, and then become snow-white.
3. Madama Butterfly. The variety belongs to the Japanese group with an average flowering period. The diameter of a bud with raspberry-pink petals is in the range of 15-16 cm. The perennial bush does not exceed 100 cm in height. Its stems are strong, have a curved shape. For cultivation, it needs a well-lit area, in extreme cases, a small penumbra will do.

White peonies

Against the backdrop of green lawns, peonies with white petals look especially impressive. There are many varieties in this group for any climatic regions, so there are no problems with the choice.

Most famous:

1. White Crane. The variety was bred by Chinese breeders and is characterized by large buds. Withstands frosts down to -40 degrees, but requires a well-lit area in the summer. Its height does not exceed a meter, and the diameter of the buds is about 15-16 cm.
2. Charles White. Luxurious flowers exuding a pleasant aroma were first introduced to gardeners in 1951. The bushes are large, they are sprawling, so they need to install supports. The first buds of a milky shade are formed in the last days of May, the flowering period of the buds lasts about 3 weeks. Each flower has a diameter of 17 cm and is ideal for creating bouquets.
3. Anne Cousins white. The pink terry variety belongs to the group with the latest flowering period. Large buds (about 20 cm in diameter) are on strong curved stems. The height of the bush does not exceed 90 cm.

Red varieties

No wonder peonies are called the imperial flower, and specimens with red petals confirm this truth. Their spectacular appearance allows you to use flowers not only as a decoration of the site, but also in the form of bouquets.

The most popular varieties of this group are:

1. Red Charm. A variety of herbaceous peonies, characterized by semi-double flowers. Peduncles, despite their height of 80 cm, are quite strong and stable, so the bush does not need a garter. The petals are a deep dark red.
2. Moscow. Long flowering and pleasant aroma are the main advantages of the variety of domestic selection.Another advantage is its compact size (up to 55 cm in height), which allows it to be grown even in small garden plots. Cupped buds are 10 cm in diameter, bloom in June and delight with colors for a month. The color of the petals is scarlet red.
3. Ruth Clay. The herbaceous variety belongs to peonies with a medium early flowering period. Bred by American breeders. The color of the petals of a 13-centimeter bud is rich red, almost burgundy. The flower has a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma.

Yellow flowers

Peonies with a yellow tint of petals were bred by breeders not so long ago, but have already gained popularity among gardeners and landscape designers.

The brightest representatives of the group are:

1. Golden Wheel bred by Chinese breeders. The correct crown-shaped buds are 15 cm in diameter. The petals are painted in an unusual lime shade. Flowering time - late.
2. Lemon Griffon, characterized by a compact bush and spherical terry buds up to 22 cm in diameter. The shade of the petals is pale yellow.
3. High Noon with sunny yellow buds in a rare rose shape. Flowering is plentiful, long, with proper care, the last buds open in August.

Burgundy varieties

Peonies with burgundy petals are a bright accent of any flower bed. Most famous varieties:

1. Akron, reaching a height of a meter and having elongated petals of a carmine-red hue.
2. Angelo Cobb Freeborn with double inflorescences, early flowering and stems up to 90 cm long.
3. Choquelite Soulde, an interspecific hybrid characterized by dark cherry petals with a slight chocolate undertone.

Purple, lilac and magenta

Among varieties with lilac, purple and purple tint of petals, there are:

1. Duck Black Ash.
2. Bowl Of Beauty.
3. Bellville.
4. Anastasia.
5. Purple Ocean.
6. Black Crown.
7. Purple Lotus.
8. Blue Sapphire.
9. Alexandre Dumas.

Blue and blue

Peonies with a blue or blue tint of petals have not yet been bred by breeders. There are varieties with a slight shade of this color scheme.

They belong to:

1. Blue Balloon.
2. Blue Doe.
3. Blue Lotus.
4. Blue Bird.
5. Heavenly Brocade.

Black peonies

Among varieties with dark, almost black petals, the following are grown:

1. Black Panther.
2. Chocolate Soldier.
3. Black Boy.
4. Sacred Mountain.
5. Black Dragon.
6. Highlight.
7. Black Hydrangea.

Orange varieties

These amazing varieties have deep orange petals. There are few of them, but among the best it is worth highlighting:

1. Coral Charm.
2. Lorelei.
3. Coral Sunset.

Cream varieties

Delicate cream shade of the petals allows you to create harmonious compositions in flower beds with other flowers. The most popular varieties are:

1. Joanna Marlene.
2. Le Printemps.
3. Canary Brilliant.
4. Pastelegance.

Raspberry peonies

The raspberry rich color of the peony becomes an accent in a flower bed with other plants.

Plant specimens such as:

1. Alexander Fleming.
2. Kansas.
3. Karl Rosenfeld.

Beige flowers

The following varieties are characterized by beige petals:

1. Bridel Icing.
2. Claire de Lune.
3. Duchesse de Nemours.

Early varieties

For gardeners who prefer early peony varieties, these varieties are suitable:

1. Ellen Cowley.
2. Nancy.
3. Cytheria.
4. Larto.
5. Prairie Moon.
6. Buckey Bell.
7. Miss America.

Late species

Late varieties that bloom before the first cold snap include:

1. Arkady Gaidar.
2. George Peyton.
3. Unchantress.
4. Gladys Taylor.

New varieties

Breeding work to develop new varieties continues today.

Among the new products are the following:

1. Buckeye Belle.
2. Big Ben.
3. Vivid Rose.
4. Garden Treasure.
5. Glory Hallelujah.

Each species has its own requirements for growing conditions, so this is taken into account when purchasing plants.

Recommended