Types of Peonies: Popular Peony Varieties and Flower Forms

Peonies are among the most recognizable flowering plants in temperate gardens across the USA and UK. Their large blooms, rich colors, attractive foliage, and long-lived nature make them popular in residential gardens, cottage-style landscapes, borders, and cut-flower arrangements. With many cultivars available, the term types of peonies covers much more than differences in flower color.

Peonies can be classified by their botanical groups, flower forms, growth habits, bloom periods, and individual cultivars. Some varieties produce simple flowers with a single row of petals, while others develop densely packed blooms that resemble fluffy balls. There are also peonies with unusual foliage, woody stems, or flowers that change color as they mature.

Understanding the different peony varieties can make it easier to recognize the characteristics of each plant. The three major groups are herbaceous peonies, tree peonies, and intersectional peonies. Within these groups are hundreds of named cultivars, including popular varieties such as Sarah Bernhardt, Festiva Maxima, Karl Rosenfield, Coral Charm, and Bowl of Beauty.

Major Types of Peonies

Peonies are generally divided into three main groups:

• Herbaceous peonies
• Tree peonies
• Intersectional or Itoh peonies

Although they belong to the same broader plant family, their growth habits and appearance can be quite different.

1. Herbaceous Peonies

Herbaceous peonies are among the most commonly grown types of peony flowers in gardens throughout the USA and UK. These plants have soft, non-woody stems that emerge from underground roots in spring.

After flowering, the foliage remains attractive through much of the growing season. In autumn, the stems naturally die back to the ground. The plant then remains dormant during winter before producing new growth the following spring.

Herbaceous peonies are valued for their cold tolerance, long lifespan, and large flowers. Established plants can remain in the same location for many years when growing conditions are suitable.

Common herbaceous peony varieties include:

• Sarah Bernhardt
• Festiva Maxima
• Karl Rosenfield
• Shirley Temple
• Kansas
• Duchesse de Nemours
• Red Charm

These varieties range from white and blush pink to deep red and burgundy.

2. Tree Peonies

Tree peonies differ considerably from herbaceous peonies. Instead of dying back completely in winter, they develop woody stems that remain above ground.

Tree peonies are generally more shrub-like and can become substantial landscape plants over time. Their flowers can also be exceptionally large, with some cultivars producing blooms that measure several inches across.

Many tree peonies are associated with Paeonia suffruticosa and related cultivated forms. They are especially appreciated for their elegant flowers and distinctive growth structure.

Tree peony flowers can appear in shades such as:

• White
• Cream
• Yellow
• Pink
• Purple
• Red
• Maroon

Their woody framework gives them a different visual character from traditional herbaceous peonies.

3. Intersectional or Itoh Peonies

Intersectional peonies, commonly called Itoh peonies, were developed by crossing herbaceous and tree peonies. They combine characteristics from both groups.

These plants generally die back toward the ground during winter like herbaceous peonies, while producing strong stems and attractive foliage influenced by their tree-peony parentage.

Itoh peonies are particularly known for their broad color range. Yellow cultivars are especially notable because strong yellow flowers are less common among traditional herbaceous peonies.

Popular Itoh varieties include:

• Bartzella
• Garden Treasure
• Julia Rose
• Cora Louise
• Prairie Charm
• Hillary

Their foliage often remains attractive for an extended period, making them useful beyond their flowering season.

Peony Flower Forms

Another way to classify different types of peonies is by flower form. The flower structure can vary considerably between cultivars.

Single Peonies

Single peonies have one or two rows of broad petals surrounding a clearly visible center.

Because the reproductive structures are exposed, the center often contains prominent yellow stamens. This gives single flowers a lighter and more natural appearance.

Single-flowered cultivars can work well in informal landscapes because their open flowers have a less densely packed appearance than double varieties.

Japanese Peonies

Japanese-form peonies have one or more rows of large outer petals surrounding a central cluster of narrow, modified stamens called staminodes.

The center can create an attractive contrast with the outer petals. Depending on the cultivar, the central structures may be yellow, cream, pink, red, or another contrasting shade.

This flower form is often associated with an elegant, structured appearance.

Anemone Peonies

Anemone-form peonies have broad outer petals surrounding a dense center of smaller petals or petal-like structures.

The center can look almost cushion-like. Some cultivars have centers that contrast strongly with the outer petals, creating a distinctive two-tone effect.

Anemone forms are available in several colors, including white, pink, red, and combinations of different shades.

Semi-Double Peonies

Semi-double peonies contain multiple layers of petals, but their central reproductive structures may remain partly visible.

They sit between single and fully double flower forms. The additional petals give the blooms a fuller appearance while still allowing some visibility into the center.

Semi-double flowers are common among many well-known garden cultivars.

Double Peonies

Double peonies have numerous petals that fill much of the flower center. The result is a large, rounded bloom with a full appearance.

Many classic garden peonies belong to this category. Sarah Bernhardt, for example, is widely recognized for its large, soft pink double flowers.

Double peonies are also common in cut-flower production because of their substantial blooms and traditional appearance.

Popular Peony Variety Names

Individual cultivars provide another useful way to understand peony kinds. Each cultivar can have its own flower color, form, height, bloom period, fragrance, and foliage characteristics.

Sarah Bernhardt

Sarah Bernhardt is one of the most familiar peony variety names in gardens and floral arrangements. It produces large, fragrant, soft pink flowers with a full double form.

The cultivar was introduced in the early twentieth century and remains widely recognized in horticultural collections.

Festiva Maxima

Festiva Maxima is a classic white peony with double flowers. Its blooms are generally white with occasional crimson or red markings on some inner petals.

Its traditional flower form has made it a long-standing garden favorite.

Karl Rosenfield

Karl Rosenfield is known for its rich red double flowers. The intense color gives the plant a strong presence during the peony flowering season.

It is frequently associated with traditional herbaceous peony collections.

Coral Charm

Coral Charm is particularly interesting because its flowers can change color as they mature. The blooms typically open in a coral or peach tone before gradually becoming lighter.

This color transition is one of the characteristics that distinguishes it from many other peony varieties.

Bowl of Beauty

Bowl of Beauty is an anemone-form peony recognized for its contrasting flower center. The outer petals are pink, while the central petal structures are much lighter.

The combination creates a noticeable visual contrast when the plant is in full bloom.

Duchesse de Nemours

Duchesse de Nemours is a classic white peony with a double flower form. It is also known for its fragrance and rounded blooms.

Its pale flowers can complement both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

Red Charm

Red Charm produces large, deep red flowers with a full, densely petaled appearance. It is often included among the notable red herbaceous peonies.

The cultivar has a substantial flower form and strong visual presence.

Bartzella

Bartzella is an Itoh peony famous for its yellow flowers. The large blooms typically have a warm yellow color, sometimes with subtle red or pink markings near the center.

Its foliage and strong stems also contribute to its landscape value.

Peony Colors

Color is one of the most noticeable differences among types of peonies. Although pink, white, and red are traditional peony colors, modern cultivars provide a much broader palette.

Pink Peonies

Pink peonies range from very pale blush to stronger rose and magenta shades. Sarah Bernhardt is a familiar example of a soft pink variety.

White Peonies

White peonies provide a clean appearance and are frequently associated with traditional gardens. Festiva Maxima and Duchesse de Nemours are examples of white-flowering cultivars.

Red Peonies

Red peonies range from bright crimson to dark wine-like shades. Karl Rosenfield and Red Charm are well-known examples.

Coral Peonies

Coral varieties are valued for their warm colors and, in some cultivars, their ability to change shade as the flowers mature.

Yellow Peonies

Yellow is particularly notable among Itoh peonies. Bartzella and Garden Treasure are two recognizable examples.

Fragrant Peony Varieties

Fragrance varies significantly among peony cultivars. Some flowers have a strong, sweet scent, while others have a lighter fragrance or very little noticeable aroma.

Fragrant varieties are often valued for gardens where flowers can be enjoyed at close range. The intensity of fragrance can also vary depending on weather, temperature, and the stage of flower development.

Popular fragrant peonies include varieties such as Sarah Bernhardt, Festiva Maxima, and Duchesse de Nemours, although fragrance should be considered a cultivar-specific characteristic rather than a universal feature of every peony.

Early, Mid-Season, and Late Peonies

The peony flowering season is relatively short, but choosing varieties with different bloom periods can extend the overall display.

Early-season peonies begin flowering toward the beginning of the local peony season.

Mid-season varieties provide the main flowering display in many gardens.

Late-season peonies flower toward the end of the traditional peony period.

Bloom timing depends on the cultivar as well as climate and local growing conditions. A garden in the northern United States may experience a different flowering calendar from one in the southern United States or southern England.

Peonies in USA and UK Gardens

Peonies are well suited to many temperate regions of the USA and UK. Herbaceous peonies are particularly associated with climates that provide a period of winter dormancy.

In the USA, peonies are commonly grown across many northern and temperate states, while cultivar selection becomes increasingly important in warmer areas. Some regions may require varieties that perform better with less winter chill.

In the UK, peonies are popular in cottage gardens, herbaceous borders, mixed perennial beds, and traditional landscapes. The relatively cool spring conditions in many areas can support strong flowering displays.

Local soil conditions, drainage, sunlight, and winter temperatures all influence plant performance.

Choosing Between Different Peony Types

The choice between different peony varieties depends largely on the desired appearance and growing conditions.

Herbaceous peonies are suitable for gardeners who prefer traditional perennial growth and seasonal dieback. Tree peonies provide a more shrub-like structure and remain above ground throughout winter. Itoh peonies offer a combination of characteristics and are particularly interesting for gardeners seeking yellow or unusual flower colors.

Flower form is another important consideration. Single and Japanese forms have more visible centers, while double varieties create dense, rounded blooms. Anemone and semi-double forms occupy positions between these styles.

Color, fragrance, mature plant size, bloom timing, and foliage should also be considered when comparing peony cultivar names.

Peony Varieties at a Glance

Final Thoughts on Peony Kinds

The world of types of peonies includes a wide range of plants with different growth habits, flower forms, colors, fragrances, and seasonal characteristics. Herbaceous, tree, and Itoh peonies provide the primary botanical categories, while single, Japanese, anemone, semi-double, and double flowers describe the major bloom forms.

From the soft pink flowers of Sarah Bernhardt to the yellow blooms of Bartzella and the changing coral tones of Coral Charm, peony varieties offer considerable diversity. Understanding these differences makes it easier to identify peony types, compare peony variety names, and appreciate why these long-lived flowering plants remain important in gardens across the USA and UK.

Whether grown as part of a perennial border, cottage garden, formal planting, or seasonal cut-flower display, peonies provide a distinctive combination of attractive foliage and showy flowers. Their diversity is one of the main reasons the genus continues to have a strong place in ornamental horticulture.