Description TOP 50 best and new varieties of peonies with characteristics

Many gardeners grow these spectacular perennial flowers in their garden plots. There are about 34 species in the Peony genus, and there are more than 5000 varieties. Most of them are herbaceous varieties, and only 500 are tree-like. Of all the varieties of peonies bred by breeders, everyone will be able to choose a specimen to suit their taste, suitable for the climatic characteristics of the region.

What types of peonies are there?

Regardless of the color of the petals, and it varies from snow-white to deep 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 there are pistils surrounded by stamens. A characteristic feature of the group is its straight and strong stems.
2. The next group is anemone-like 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. The modified stamens are petal-shaped, in some cases they are curved down, thus forming a cushion. The shade of the stamens is contrasting with the petals or the same (pink, yellow, red).
4. Varieties of the semi-double group are characterized by five or more petals. Their stamens are modified, normally developed and petal-shaped. Arranged in a ring shape, they alternate with each other. A characteristic feature of all varieties in this group is their long-lasting fresh appearance when cut.
5. The flowers of the terry group have more than 5 petals, they are quite wide. In most double varieties, the stamens are modified into petals, but there are also varieties with normally developed pistils and stamens hidden by the petals.

Another classification is based on Peony flowering dates: early, mid-early, middle, mid-late, late, very late.

The best varieties

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

Among them:

1. Sarah Bernhardt. The variety was bred back in the 19th century, but has not yet lost its popularity. The raspberry-pink buds are about 20 cm in diameter and emit 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; they do not require staking when growing, since the stems are strong and do not bend to the ground under the weight of the buds.
2. Kiao sisters. One of the rare and amazing varieties, its peculiarity is the two-color shade of the petals. One half is painted purple-red and the other half is creamy white. The diameter of the bud of this variety is about 16 cm, and the height of the bush is between 120-130 cm. The flowering period occurs in June.
3. Pastel Splendor. The variety belongs to ITO hybrids and does not exceed 70 cm in height. The bush is compact, neat, and therefore 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 center is bright yellow. During flowering, peonies emit a pleasant and light aroma.

Pink flowers

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

1. Solange. This spectacular variety was bred by French breeders a century ago. The diameter of the bud does not exceed 18 cm, and the petals have a pastel cream and soft pink color. This variety of peonies can be grown in almost any region, since 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 late May. 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.In the first days of flowering, the terry petals have a creamy tone with a greenish tint, and then become snow-white.
3. Madame Butterfly. The variety belongs to the Japanese group with an average flowering period. The diameter of the bud with raspberry-pink petals is within 15-16 cm. The height of the perennial bush does not exceed 100 cm. Its stems are strong and have a curved shape. For cultivation it needs a well-lit area; in extreme cases, a little partial shade will do.

White peonies

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

The 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 that exude a pleasant aroma were first introduced to gardeners in 1951. The bushes are large and spreading, so they need to be supported. The first milky buds 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 ​​is white. The pink terry variety belongs to the group that has the latest flowering period. Large buds (about 20 cm in diameter) are located on strong curved stems. The height of the bush does not exceed 90 cm.

Red varieties

It’s not for nothing that 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 site decoration, 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. The flower stalks, despite their height of 80 cm, are quite strong and stable, so the bush does not need a garter. The petals have a rich dark red hue.
2. Moscow. Long-lasting flowering and pleasant aroma are the main advantages of the 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. The cup-shaped buds are 10 cm in diameter, bloom in June and delight with colors throughout the month. The color of the petals is scarlet-red.
3. Ruth Clay. The herbaceous variety belongs to peonies with a mid-early flowering period. Bred by American breeders. The color of the petals of the 13-centimeter bud is rich red, almost burgundy. The flower has a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma.

Yellow flowers

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

The most prominent representatives of the group are:

1. Golden Wheel, bred by Chinese breeders. The buds have a regular crown shape and are 15 cm in diameter. The petals are colored in an unusual lime shade. Flowering period is late.
2. Lemon Griffon, characterized by a compact bush and spherical double buds up to 22 cm in diameter. The shade of the petals is pale yellow.
3. High Noon with sunny yellow buds that have a rare rose-like shape. Flowering is abundant, long lasting, with proper care the last buds open in August.

Burgundy varieties

Peonies with burgundy petals are a bright accent to any flower bed. The most famous varieties:

1. Akron, reaching a meter in height and having elongated petals of a carmine-red hue.
2. Angelo Cobb Freeborn with double inflorescences, having early flowering periods and stem lengths up to 90 cm.
3. Chokelit Soulde, related to interspecific hybrids, characterized by dark cherry petals with a light chocolate undertone.

Violet, lilac and purple

Among the varieties with lilac, violet and purple shades 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. Alexandr Duma.

Blue and blue

Breeders have not yet succeeded in breeding peonies with a blue or light blue tint to their petals. There are varieties with a slight shade of this color scheme.

These include:

1. Blue Ball.
2. Blue Doe.
3. Blue Lotus.
4. Blue bird.
5. Heavenly Brocade.

Black peonies

Among the 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

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

The following specimens are planted:

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

Beige flowers

The following varieties are characterized by beige petal color:

1. Bridell Ising.
2. Claire de Lune.
3. Duchess de Nemours.

Early varieties

For gardeners who prefer early varieties of peonies, the following varieties are suitable:

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

Late species

Late varieties that bloom before the first cold snap include:

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

New varieties

Selection 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.