10 Beautiful Peony Varieties
Peonies are the big, showy stars of the late-spring/early-summer garden. When the growing season transitions away from spring bulbs and there’s a lull before summer annuals get going, peonies take center stage. While their show is short lived, they definitely make sure to make a statement while they’re around.
Peonies are my thing. In fact, they’re one of only a few flowers I grow on my flower farm. Why did I double down on peonies? They’re easy to grow, low maintenance, in high demand, profitable, and they allow me to build a business that works for me. In my eyes, they are a unicorn flower.🦄
If you’re ready to grow peonies on your flower farm, you might wonder which varieties to start with. And I get it! There are so many beautiful peonies to choose from.
Ultimately, if you’re planning to sell peonies, the varieties you choose will depend on your business. If you sell to designers, you may want to go with fancier, rare varieties. If you sell to wholesalers, ask them about the most in demand varieties. For this resource, the peony varieties I recommend are for selling retail (direct to consumer), which is what I do here at Muddy Acres Flower Farm.
Before we dig into the varieties, I want to share an important lesson I learned. When I created my first field, I scoured all the books, all the articles and choose my favorite varieties—a mix of singles and doubles, rare varieties and classic, fragrant and non-fragrant. I put in so much time to pick my favorites.
Notice I say “my” favorites, not my customers’ favorites. What I’ve come to learn is that my customers prefer a classic peony—what someone initially thinks of when you hear the word peony. They want a massive bloom loaded with petals that smells incredible. They don’t care about the fancy variety that costs $100 a root. They want classic peonies.
In this resource, I’m going to share the 10 varieties I would grow today based on which peonies are most popular with my customers. If I were to redo my entire flower field and start over, these are 10 of the varieties I would plant.
White and Blush Peony Varieties
Duchess de Nemours
This timeless peony variety has pure white, double blooms with a slight hint of ivory at the heart. But her scent - OMG, her scent! I’ve never smelled a peony so heavenly. Her fragrance and lush, full blooms make it a favorite for weddings and floral arrangements.
Bowl of Cream
True to its name, Bowl of Cream has large, bowl-shaped flowers that are creamy white. What stands out about this variety is the sheer size of the blooms - often larger than my hands! With flowers so densely packed with petals, she’s fluffy and luxurious.
Nick Shaylor
Nick Shaylor is a double-flowered peony that has received the prestigious APS Gold Medal twice! The round shape. The massive blooms. The soft shade of blush. She’s perfection. This one is a must-grow.
Pink Peony Varieties
Sarah Bernhardt
A go-to pink classic, Sarah Bernhardt has fluffy double blooms in a soft pink, with a touch of darker pink at the petal bases. Her soft fragrance and robust growth make it a must-have in any peony collection. And because customers always love this one, I planted a mini field of just Sarah B!
Monsieur Jules Elie
Gah! I love this bomb-form peony that was introduced in 1888!!! What? Mons Jules Elie is known for its large, fragrant, double blooms in a captivating shade of pink. She is incredibly popular and has strong stems, making it as practical as it is beautiful.
Red and Coral Peony Varieties
Red Charm
Red Charm is my go-to red peony. She is a stunning, deep red peony with bomb-shaped blooms that are incredibly eye-catching. It’s a vigorous grower and a prolific bloomer, that’s both stunning and reliable.
Coral Charm
Coral Charm has semi-double blooms that change color from coral to peach as they age. Its incredible color and form have made it a favorite among both growers and designers. This variety has won multiple awards and it’s easy to see why! But I will say…her fragrance is kinda yuck.
Unique Peony Varieties
Do Tell
Do Tell is an anemone shaped peony in the softest shade of pink with a blend of raspberry and lemon staminodes at its heart. Flowers bloom on thin (yet strong) red stems. She is a crazy, prolific bloomer and earns her keep in the field.
Soft Salmon Saucer
The color and shape of Soft Salmon Saucer will leave customers asking if it’s even a peony! This peony has large, saucer-shaped blooms in a soft, salmon-pink hue. She’s beautifully simple and offers a modern twist on the classic peony form.
Etched Salmon
If you want to stop customers in their tracks, this one will do it! Etched Salmon stands out for its intricate, double blooms in the most unique shade of salmon pink, with each petal appearing etched. She’s stunning and worth the splurge.
While essentially all peonies are gorgeous, choosing peonies for your flower farm isn't just about looks—it's about aligning with your customers’ preferences and ensuring reliable growth. While it’s easy to want to grab all of the rare and unique varieties, the classic beauty and universal appeal of these ten peonies make them invaluable for any flower farmer who wants to thrive in the peony market. Shop my favorite peony roots here.
If you're thinking about farming peonies for profit, be sure to check out Growing Peonies for Profit. This guide offers an in-depth look at what it takes to build a peony business and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.