The peony, a classic garden fixture, is renowned for its lush, voluminous appearance. This perennial flower, belonging to the genus Paeonia, possesses a wide range of forms that contribute to its celebrated visual appeal. Its long-standing popularity stems from the dramatic transformation it undergoes, from a simple bud to a magnificent bloom.
The Structure of the Peony Plant
The visual presence of the peony before it blooms is defined by its substantial foliage and sturdy stems. Leaves are typically lobed and deeply divided, creating a dense, dark green texture that provides a handsome backdrop for the flowers. The fresh shoots that emerge in spring can sometimes possess a reddish or burgundy tint before maturing to green.
The plant usually forms a mature bush that stands between two and four feet tall, offering a rounded presence in the garden. Stems are often thick and robust, though the weight of the large blooms on some varieties means they may need support to remain upright. The overall appearance is that of a strong, bushy perennial.
Understanding Peony Bloom Forms
The flower head displays a spectrum of structural arrangements, classified into distinct forms based on the arrangement of petals and the visibility of central reproductive parts. The simplest form is the Single, which features one or two rows of broad, outer guard petals surrounding a clearly visible center of stamens and carpels. Moving toward greater fullness, the Semi-Double form has multiple rows of petals, but the stamens remain visible.
A more complex structure is the Anemone form, where guard petals encircle a dense center composed of transformed stamens, called petaloids, that are narrow and often a different color, giving a pincushion effect. The Bomb form is a distinct type of Double, where the inner petals form a high, rounded mound atop the guard petals. In the Double form, stamens and carpels are fully replaced by petals, resulting in a dense, packed sphere of petals where the reproductive parts are hidden or completely absent.
Comparing the Three Main Peony Types
Peonies are differentiated into three main classifications based on their growth habit, which influences their overall appearance. The Herbaceous peony, the most common type, is characterized by soft, non-woody stems that die back completely to the ground each winter. New shoots emerge directly from the soil line in the spring, creating a fresh, bushy perennial mound typically reaching two to three feet in height.
In contrast, the Tree peony is a true woody shrub, retaining its stems above ground year-round. This permanent structure allows the plant to grow taller, often reaching four to seven feet with a more open, architectural frame. Tree peonies tend to produce larger, more open flowers that bloom earlier than their herbaceous counterparts.
The Intersectional, or Itoh, peony is a hybrid of the Herbaceous and Tree types, combining traits from both. It features the deeply divided foliage of the Tree peony but exhibits the growth habit of the Herbaceous type, dying back to the ground in late autumn. Itoh peonies form a sturdy, rounded bush, typically standing two to three feet tall, and their flowers often display unique colors and a prolonged bloom period.
Color Palette and Sensory Details
Peonies exhibit a broad and vibrant color palette, ranging from the purest whites and softest blush pinks to corals and deep, velvety reds or maroons. Certain hues, such as the clear yellow, are more commonly found in the Tree and Intersectional hybrids. The spectrum also includes rare shades like lavender and purple, with some varieties even displaying multi-toned or color-changing blooms, such as coral fading to peach or cream as the flower matures.
The visual impression of the flower is often paired with a varied sensory experience in terms of fragrance. Peony scent is highly cultivar-dependent, ranging from a sweet, classic rose-like aroma to a spicy or citrusy note. Some highly prized varieties are known for their strong perfume, while others are nearly scentless.