Extend Peony Season in Your Garden

Peony lovers know that these lush, romantic blooms are fleeting—but with a little planning, you can enjoy peonies in your garden for up to six weeks instead of just a short burst. By planting early, mid, and late-season varieties, you can extend the peony season and enjoy their beauty from late spring through early summer.

If you dream of a garden overflowing with peonies for as long as possible, here’s how to strategically choose your peony varieties to ensure continuous blooms, plus some popular gardener favorites for each bloom time.

Choosing Peonies for a Longer Bloom Season

Peonies are classified into early, mid, and late-season bloomers, based on when they flower in the spring and early summer. Most peony varieties bloom for about 7–10 days, but by planting a mix of varieties with different bloom times, you can enjoy peonies for four to six weeks!

Here’s a breakdown of the best peonies for each stage of the season.

Early-Season Peonies

These peonies are the first to bloom, bringing early-season color to your garden.

Our favorite early blooming peonies:

• Coral Charm– A stunning semi-double peony with vibrant coral-pink petals that fade to soft peach.
• Claire de Lune– A delicate single-flowered peony with pale yellow petals and a golden center.
• Roselette– One of the earliest peonies to bloom, with soft pink petals and a lovely fragrance.

Mid-Season Peonies

Mid-season peonies hit their peak when most gardens are in full bloom. They pair beautifully with other perennials like irises and alliums for a layered garden look.

Popular mid-season seonies:

• ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ – A classic favorite with full, ruffled pink blooms and a sweet fragrance.
• ‘Karl Rosenfield’ – A striking deep red double peony that makes a bold statement.
• ‘Festiva Maxima’ – A timeless white peony with red flecks, known for its large, fragrant flowers.

Late-Season Peonies

Late-blooming peonies help extend the season into early summer. These varieties can benefit from some afternoon shade to protect their blooms from summer heat.

Our favority late blooming varieties:

• ‘Bowl of Beauty’ – A unique anemone-style peony with soft pink outer petals and a fluffy yellow center.
• ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ – A large, fragrant pink double peony that adds elegance to any garden.
• ‘Big Ben’ – A dramatic, deep red peony with a strong scent and tall, sturdy stems.

Maximizing Your Peony Season

To get the longest peony bloom time in your garden:

• Mix early, mid, and late varieties for continuous blooms.
• Plant peonies in well-draining soil and full sun for the best performance.
• Deadhead spent blooms to keep plants looking tidy and encourage healthy foliage.
• Fertilize peonies in early spring to support strong blooms throughout the season.

By planning your garden with a variety of early, mid, and late peonies, you’ll enjoy weeks of breathtaking peony blooms instead of just a few days. Whether you love soft pinks, bold reds, or creamy whites, there’s a perfect peony for every stage of the season!

Want more peony-growing tips? Check out our Peony Planting Guide to learn how to grow thriving, long-lasting blooms in your garden. 

Want to add more peony plants in your garden? Shop our Peony Roots collection.