Peonies are one of the most loved flowers in traditional gardens. With their large, fragrant blooms and wide variety of colors and shapes, peonies are perfect for adding romance and charm to your outdoor space. These perennials bloom in spring to early summer and are known for their long life and easy care. If you’re looking to bring classic elegance and beauty to your garden, here are 10 stunning peony varieties worth planting.

1. Sarah Bernhardt – Soft Pink Classic

Sarah Bernhardt is one of the most popular peonies in the world. Its large, double blooms are a soft, shell-pink color and have a sweet fragrance. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the plant grows up to 3 feet tall. It looks beautiful in garden beds and is perfect for cut flower arrangements. With its old-fashioned charm and long life, Sarah Bernhardt is a favorite for cottage and formal gardens.

2. Festiva Maxima – White with Crimson Highlights

Dating back to the 1850s, Festiva Maxima is an heirloom variety that never goes out of style. It features large, double white blooms with hints of crimson in the center. The flowers are highly fragrant and bloom in late spring. The plant grows about 3 feet tall and has strong stems, making it a great choice for mixed borders and flower arrangements. Its elegant look also makes it a top pick for weddings and vintage-style gardens.

3. Bowl of Beauty – Pink and Yellow Contrast

Bowl of Beauty is a semi-double peony with a unique look. It has bright pink outer petals that surround a creamy yellow center, creating a lovely contrast. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it reaches about 2.5 to 3 feet tall. With a light fragrance and cheerful colors, Bowl of Beauty adds a fresh and modern touch to any garden. It pairs beautifully with flowers like iris, foxglove, and delphinium.

4. Karl Rosenfield – Bold Crimson Red

For a bold pop of color, Karl Rosenfield is a great choice. This variety has vivid crimson-red, double blooms that appear from early to mid-summer. Lightly fragrant and fully double, these flowers make a strong statement in any garden. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and is perfect for mass planting along paths or garden borders for a dramatic effect.

5. Coral Charm – Modern and Colorful

Coral Charm peonies bring a modern vibe with their coral-pink blooms that fade to peach and cream. These semi-double flowers bloom in mid to late spring and grow on sturdy stems up to 3 feet tall. Ideal for cutting gardens and early-season color, Coral Charm adds brightness and energy to traditional flower beds.

6. Shirley Temple – Blush to White Blooms

Named after the famous actress, Shirley Temple is a lovely peony with soft blush-pink double blooms that turn white as they age. These fragrant flowers bloom in late spring and grow about 2.5 to 3 feet tall. Their vintage look makes them perfect for moon gardens or white-themed planting areas. They also look stunning when planted with purple or blue perennials.

7. Duchesse de Nemours – Pure White Elegance

This old favorite is known for its fully double, snowy white blooms and sweet fragrance. Duchesse de Nemours blooms in late spring to early summer and grows to about 3 feet tall. It’s a reliable and elegant plant that fits well in formal gardens, wedding arrangements, or white-themed flower beds. It thrives best in sunny areas with well-drained soil.

8. Sorbet – Layers of Pastel Beauty

Sorbet peonies stand out for their multi-tonal petals in pink, cream, and pale yellow. These double blooms appear from late spring to early summer and reach about 3 feet in height. With their playful, layered look and light fragrance, Sorbet peonies bring a soft and dreamy feel to gardens. They pair well with lavender, salvia, or dark foliage plants.

9. Red Charm – Deep Red and Dramatic

Red Charm is one of the most eye-catching peonies with its large, fully double, deep red blooms. Blooming in mid to late spring, it stands 2.5 to 3 feet tall on strong stems. Its rich color and velvety texture make it ideal for dramatic garden displays and floral arrangements. Plant it alongside lighter-colored flowers for a striking contrast.

10. Bartzella – Bright Yellow Itoh Hybrid

Bartzella is a hybrid peony that blends the best features of herbaceous and tree peonies. It has large, sunny yellow blooms with a light fragrance and blooms from spring to early summer. The plant grows up to 3.5 feet tall and produces many flowers per season. Bartzella’s bright color makes it a standout in cottage gardens and looks wonderful with pink or purple companions.

Final Thoughts

Peonies are timeless flowers that offer beauty, fragrance, and structure to any garden. With so many varieties available, you can mix early, mid, and late-season bloomers for weeks of gorgeous color. Whether you prefer soft pastels or bold reds, peonies like Sarah Bernhardt, Coral Charm, and Bartzella will help you create a garden that feels both classic and fresh. Plant them in well-drained soil with good sunlight, and enjoy their blooms year after year.