I’ve grown thousands of peonies in South Carolina. Here’s what I’d grow in your garden (and what I wouldn’t).
Hello, my name is Erin and I’m a peony addict. I started growing peonies on my Upstate South Carolina farm 11 years ago and just never quit adding varieties. I’m at over 6000 plants and 60+ varieties now, with a robust order of new varieties coming my way this fall, and a lengthy wish list. So I’d say I’ve seen some things when it comes to growing peonies in the South. If you and I were planting your garden together this fall, here's what I'd recommend you start with:
Always the healthiest, sturdiest variety on my farm. White with crimson flecks in its heart, in chilly springs it can flush faintly pink. An heirloom introduced 175 years ago, it has been beloved and proving itself all that time. You’ll pass this one on to your grandchildren. It blooms in midseason for me, about the first week of May.
An enthusiastic grower and a joyful color. Monsieur Jules Elie matures quickly, making a gigantic plant up to three feet across if it’s happy, and covering itself in bubblegum-pink blooms in early May in my area. Another heirloom variety that’s been passed along for generations, it's worthy of the honor.
Consistently the winner for earliest bloom at The Peony Fields, usually showing up around April 10 or so. The blooms begin a bright coral pink and fade to ivory over several days, so there are several shades on the plant at once. It's won a couple of awards, and I can see why. It's a strong, bright start to the season.
Everyone who sees Henry falls in love with him. Unbelievable, huge, blood-red blooms on sturdy stems look completely unreal. A strong grower and a showstopper, blooms in early May here.
Let's fill out your season with a late bloomer that keeps the party going. Jacorma is rose-pink, lightly fragrant, and blooms in mid-May on my farm. Add that silvered edging on the petals and it's perfection. Such a welcome beauty when almost everything else has already bloomed.
And an unfortunate loser:
Lemon Chiffon
I so want to love this gorgeous, butter-yellow, sweetly scented variety, but two things are against it in my climate: it often forms an open bud, which collects rainwater or freezes, and spoils the golden stamens, turning them brown. Also, the roots are more prone to rotting than other varieties I’ve grown, which is a liability in my heavy soil. How I hate to nix a variety, but I can’t recommend you grow this one if your conditions are like mine.
If I've convinced you that any of these beauties need a place in your flowerbeds, stop by my Peony Root Shop, where I've got these and other delights available for preorder now, shipping in October, or pickup in November. And it will be kind of like we're in your garden together, after all.
Happy planting,
Erin