29 Types of Peony Flowers To Grow at Home (with Pictures)

No conversation about beautiful, beloved flowers would be complete without the peony. Peonies are perennial flowers known for their durability and long life and are easy to grow at home, have a wonderful aroma, and are one of the most delicate, gorgeous flower types you’ll ever see. Amazingly, there are several dozen types of peonies in six categories. They come in a rainbow of colors and will make your garden, patio, or front porch look and smell incredible every spring!

If you’d like to grow one or more types of peonies at home, the information below is an excellent starting point. It lists 30 types of peony flowers to grow at home, with detailed info on each one. If you’re ready to make peonies a part of your garden and add a splash of color and fragrance to your home, read on!

The 29 Types of Peony Flowers To Grow at Home

1. Krinkled White Peony

Known for its similarity to a fancy fried egg, the Krinkled White peony has large, white petals with delicate, bright yellow stamens in the center. This peony is thinner than some but also spreads out wider. With single flowers, Krinkled White peonies have strong stems and thus don’t need to be staked in most cases. They’re bright and cheery and will make a beautiful addition to any garden.

2. Bartzella Peony

The Bartzella peony is a fan favorite! It’s one of the biggest peonies, with massive, golden-yellow flowers. On the inside, you’ll find a slight splash of red that brings the flower to life. It is a hybrid and blooms later in the season than most. Bartzella peonies also need more water than most peonies but have strong stems that won’t need to be staked.

3. Bowl of Cream Peony

Many home gardeners love the Bowl of Cream peony for its massive, round, fluffy shape. Bowl of Cream peony flowers can be as wide as 12 inches, making them one of the heaviest peony types. Their weight makes it necessary to stake them so they don’t fall over when blooming. Florists love to put the Bowl of Cream peony in their floral arrangements as they’re so stunningly beautiful and big.

4. Kansas Peony

While all peonies are beautiful, the Kansas peony has a dark red merlot color that’s genuinely stunning. That’s likely why the Kansas peony is so prevalent in home gardens across the US, especially in warm, dry states like Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, and Nevada. Since they’re relatively light and delicate, they can withstand the dry heat and don’t need staking. They also bloom like mad, and you can expect many gorgeous flowers.

5. Coral Sunset Peony

Another of the larger peony types, the Coral Sunset peony, has an exquisite coral color. Coral Sunset peonies are one of the first to bloom in spring and add a stunning splash of color to your garden. Although they’re big, Coral Sunset peonies have strong stems that won’t need to be staked. They will need a little more water than most peonies, but their delightful aroma makes it worth the effort.

6. Sarah Bernhardt Peony

Delicate but large and heavy, the Sarah Bernhardt peony will need to be staked or caged. This peony is one of the most popular, with massive, fluffy pink petals that look like cheerleader pompoms. Because they’re so large, it’s best to plant Sarah Bernhardt peonies where they won’t be affected by wind. Once they reach full bloom, a bunch of cut Sarah Bernhardt peonies will make a magnificent centerpiece for any table.

7. Bowl of Beauty Peony

The Bowl of Beauty peony is one of the most distinctive of the peony types. It has a large inner bowl of pastel yellow ruffles surrounded by a bright pink ring of petals, which make it truly eye-catching and a favorite for bouquets. Bowl of Beauty peonies are also very fragrant and, when fully open, can be upwards of 12 inches wide! Because they get so big, staking Bowl of Beauty peonies might be necessary. They also need moist soil and lots of sunshine.

8. Fern Leaf Peony

Of all the peony varieties, the Fern Leaf is one of the most beloved. This peony is one of the earliest blooming of the species and surprises many with its early spring arrival. The drawback, however, is that they start to look ragged and worn by mid-summer.

That’s why most flower experts recommend planting the Fern Leaf peony with perennials that bloom later in the season. You can then cut them down and let the other flowers shine. Whatever you choose to do, the striking colors and delicacy of the Fern Leaf peony are sure to please.

9. Green Halo Peony

The Green Halo peony is a semi-double blossom peony with thick petals on its perimeter and more delicate petals inside. The edges of the outer petals will typically have a purple-green hue, although it’s muted. This one is a medium-sized peony and doesn’t need staking as it’s not too heavy. When blooming, it’s a delight to see and would do well planted closer to your home so you can fully enjoy its colors. Florists use Green Halo peonies in bouquets frequently due to their unusual coloring.

10. Miss America Peony

Not surprisingly, the Miss America peony has its origins in the United States. The Miss America is another giant peony variety, with large, white petals on the outside and a delicate, bright yellow center.

It needs more light than most and will need staking since it’s so large. They make a wonderful addition to any bouquet and are very impressive. Many peony enthusiasts love the Miss America peony’s bud. They’re pink, plump, and wonderful to see.

11. Shirley Temple Peony

Named after the darling dresses worn by classic film star Shirley Temple, the Shirley Temple peony is a delight! Not only are they beautiful, but the aroma of the Shirley Temple peony is intoxicating.

It is another large variety and will need staking. You should well protect it from heavy rains as they can destroy its delicate petals. Many peony fans love the Shirley Temple’s subtle change from bright pink to cream white when fully opened. The shrub of this peony is also quite large, and the Shirley Temple peony is one of the longest-living of the peony varieties.

12. Honey Gold Peony

The center of the Honey Gold peony is the star of this show! It’s massive compared to most, has shades of pastel yellow and coral, and the plant can reach over 3 feet tall. Because it’s so large, the Honey Gold peony will likely need to be staked, but it depends on where they’re planted.

In a bouquet, these peonies will stand out thanks to their impressive appearance and poofy look. They also have a wonderful aroma that will fill your home when you display several in a vase.

13. Wild Lactiflora Peony

The Wild Lactiflora peony is very popular in gardens around the United States. Considering how bold and beautiful it is, that’s not surprising. The color combination of this gorgeous peony, dark fuchsia outside and bright yellow inside, make them look like they’re aflame.

They’re sometimes referred to as the “flame peony.” They are smaller, somewhat delicate, and don’t need to be staked. They do require more sun than most, however, and will look beautiful throughout most of the spring and summer.

14. Françoise Ortegat Peony

The big, bold blooms of the François Ortegat peony are an impressive sight, and their color is one of the most striking in the peony family. It’s a dark, merlot wine color, with velvety petals that are both intricate and delicate. Like many peonies, the François Ortegat peony is large and heavy, so staking is a must. For displaying in vases, it’s also a must and is an eye-popping addition to any bouquet.

15. Chocolate Soldier Peony

The Chocolate Soldier peony gets its name from the dark cherry, almost chocolate-colored petals on its exterior. Inside you’ll find a splash of fiery yellow with a dark-red center: a striking mix of colors that’s sure to please any peony person.

Although they can be up to 8 inches in diameter, the Chocolate Soldier peony isn’t heavy and won’t need to be staked. They like moist soil and need less light than other peony varieties, and they’re a great choice if you want a low-maintenance plant.

16. Festiva Maxima Peony

We’ve used the word “fluffy” several times to describe the peonies on today’s list, but this one might be the fluffiest! There are so many layers of petals in the Festiva Maxima peony that counting them all would be impossible!

Festiva Maxima peonies are mostly a creamy-white color with some splashes of red in their center. They’re also quite large, so staking them will be necessary. One interesting note about the Festiva Maxima is that they grow well in containers and, when in bloom, will fill them with color and a pleasing scent.

17. Old Rose Dandy Peony

The Old Rose Dandy peony is an Itoh-class peony that grows on a large, bushy plant. Because Itoh-type peonies are tree hybrids, they don’t need staking, but they do need lots of sunshine. Old Rose Dandies can grow to 5 inches in size and have a stunning maroon-red color that stands out in a bouquet.

Like many peonies, their stamens are bright yellow, and their stalks are strong. However, you should still plant Old Rose Dandy peonies in a well-protected area of your yard or garden.

18. Joker Peony

While you won’t find Batman planting these, the Joker peony won’t cause anything but beauty in your garden. Peony enthusiasts love the soft pink petals of the Joker peony as they have a lovely dark pink edge. The Joker peony also has a huge double blossom that, in most cases, will need to be staked. Some Joker peonies will be all pink, but all of them will be a welcome addition to your garden and make a stunning indoor display.

19. Solange Peony

If you ever made crepe-paper flowers in school, they probably looked like the adorable Solange peony. These are the peonies that florists use all the time for wedding bouquets and are well-known in the wedding industry. They’re usually a creamy white color with just a touch of pink and are on the large, heavy side.

Staking the Solange peony would be best so they don’t fall over from being too top-heavy. Are you getting hitched sometime soon? These are the peonies you’ll want!

20. Black Beauty Peony

If strikingly dark-colored peonies are your favorite, Black Beauty peonies will be a perfect choice. They’re one of the darkest-colored of all the peony varieties, with many layers of delicate cabernet wine petals surrounding a tiny yellow center. Aromatic and impressive when displayed in a bouquet, the Black Beauty peony can get quite large, so staking them is your best bet.

They are frost-resistant, making them a good choice if you live further north. The Black Beauty also blooms quickly, so you’ll have plenty to fill a vase and create a gorgeous centerpiece for your table.

21. Red Charm Peony

If you’re searching for the “classic” peony, the Red Charm is perfect. It is one of the few varieties that’s the same color inside and out and has a lovely, dark red that makes it look very much like a rose. Their aroma is just as intoxicating, too, and they last a long time, even in hotter areas.

Although the Red Charm is a double-flowering peony and rather large, its stalks are strong and usually don’t require staking. As a vase flower, few others are as eye-popping as the Red Charm peony.

22. Pillow Talk Peony

The Pillow Talk peony is another classic and very well-known among florists. When fresh, a vase full of Pillow Talk peonies will be the center of attention, with bright pink petals outside that fade to a pale, pastel pink on the inside. These peonies have a pearly sheen to them that many find very attractive. They’re also on the large side, with double flowers, and will probably need to be staked to ensure they stay upright.

23. Raspberry Sundae Peony

There’s no doubt all peonies are pretty, but the raspberry Sundae peony is exquisite. Some say it’s like a painting that’s come to life, with subtle layers of pink, yellow, and cream. Raspberry Sundae peonies are huge when fully open, so expect them to need staking.

When cut and placed inside your home, they have an enchanting aroma and will last a long time. The Raspberry Sundae is a double peony with multiple rows of petals. Several others on today’s list are also double peonies.

24. Scarlett O’Hara Peony

Named after the celebrated character from Gone With the Wind, the Scarlett O’Hara peony is similar in its delicacy and ability to survive stressful times. As a single flower peony with scarlet red petals, the mass of stamens in the center of the Scarlett O’Hara is a golden yellow.

This satisfying contrast looks phenomenal in a bouquet. As peonies go, the Scarlett O’Hara is relatively small and has strong stems, so they shouldn’t need staking. However, this is a delicate peony type and usually doesn’t last long once cut.

25. Edulis Superba Peony

Lilac isn’t a color you often see with peonies unless you’re looking at the lovely Edulis Superba. These peonies bloom very early in spring and are adored for the early splash of color they bring to your garden.

The Edulis Superba is also an heirloom peony variety that’s been around for ages and has a fragrant aroma most folks thoroughly enjoy. As a large, double-flowered peony, one thing you’ll need to do is stake them, so they stay upright.

26. Lilliian Wild Peony

The Lillian Wild is one of the largest types of peonies on our list and, in fact, is gigantic. Planting them in a protected area of your yard is recommended to ensure they stay beautiful after blooming. They will undoubtedly need to be staked since they’re so large.

Color-wise, the Lillian Wild is a creamy, strawberry-milk color with a hint of white. One thing to note is that Lillian Wild peonies are late bloomers that will look amazing after your other peonies have started to fade.

27. Cardinal Vaughan Peonies

The Cardinal Vaughan is a deciduous shrub that is unique among the other peonies on today’s list. All the other peonies are herbaceous perennials. For that reason, they don’t do well in the cold even though they’re double-flowered. Their color, however, is simply stunning.

It is a deep red that, in the right light, turns a gorgeous shade of purple. The fuchsia and yellow stamens in the center make the Cardinal Vaughan peony a welcome addition to bouquets. They’re on the small side and light, so stakes likely won’t be necessary.

28. Avalanche Peony

Double flowers that are extra-large set the Avalanche peony apart, as well as their many layers of creamy white petals. These are heavy peonies and require staking, but they are also delicate and should be placed in an area where they will be well-protected from heavy rains.

Like many peonies, the Avalanche smells amazing and will look incredible bunched up in a large vase. Make a point to look closely as the center of the Avalanche peony is a fascinating mix of pinks.

29. Do Tell Peony

The last peony on today’s list is one of the most delicate and beautifully colored. It’s the Do Tell peony, with pastel pink outer petals that lead into a bright pink and white mix of stamens at the center. These peonies originated in Asia, and the Japanese-style color reminds you of that.

The Do Tell peony usually doesn’t need staking, but they make for a fantastic vase flower and are a favorite of florists everywhere.

Peony Growing Tips

If growing peonies in your garden or on your porch is what you plan to do, the tips below will be very helpful. The good news is that peonies are typically very hardy, don’t need an undue amount of attention, and, unless you muck around too much, will come back stronger year after year.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen today, peonies are some of the most precious flowers and will add a huge splash of color to your garden. Most peony species are easy to care for and smell so good you’ll want to swim in them! Many peony types are also double-flowered, heavy, and will need to be staked or else they will fall over. Peonies will easily grow in most areas of the United States and North America and are a favorite in bouquets and bridal arrangements.

We hope today’s closer look at these 29 beautiful peonies has given you a newfound appreciation for this gorgeous flower. No matter which peony you like best, it will provide weeks’ worth of enjoyment, beauty, and aroma both in and outside your home.

Featured Image Credit: Nicole, Pixabay