Peonies are a longtime favorite in backyard gardens thanks to their large, lush blooms and classic beauty. Known for their soft petals, rich colors, and often light fragrance, peonies bring a timeless, elegant look to any outdoor space.
They’re also surprisingly low-maintenance once established, returning year after year with minimal care. From traditional garden staples to standout varieties, these are the most popular types of peonies to grow in your backyard.
1. Herbaceous Peonies
Herbaceous peonies are the most common and widely grown type of peony in backyard gardens. They die back to the ground each winter and return in spring with strong stems and large, full blooms. These peonies are extremely cold-hardy, long-lived, and can thrive for decades once established, making them a reliable choice for home gardeners.
2. Itoh Peonies (Intersectional Peonies)
Itoh peonies are a hybrid between herbaceous and tree peonies, offering the best of both types. They produce large, showy flowers similar to tree peonies but grow and die back like herbaceous varieties. Itoh peonies are known for strong stems that don’t flop, extended bloom time, and excellent disease resistance, making them ideal for backyard landscapes.
3. Tree Peonies
Tree peonies grow as woody shrubs rather than dying back each year like other peonies. They produce exceptionally large blooms, often earlier in the season, and can become stunning focal points in a garden. While they require a bit more space and patience to establish, tree peonies reward gardeners with dramatic flowers and long-term structure.
4. Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Sarah Bernhardt is one of the most famous and widely grown peony varieties in the world. It features large, soft pink, double blooms with a light, pleasant fragrance. This variety blooms in late spring and is especially popular for cutting gardens and classic backyard designs.
5. Bowl of Beauty Peony
Bowl of Beauty peonies are known for their unique flower form, featuring bright pink outer petals surrounding a creamy yellow center. They bloom mid-season and stand out easily among more traditional peony shapes. This variety is a favorite for gardeners who want something eye-catching without being difficult to grow.
6. Festiva Maxima Peony
Festiva Maxima is a classic white peony known for its large, fragrant blooms with small red flecks near the center. It blooms early in the peony season and is often one of the first to flower. This variety is highly valued for its reliability, strong fragrance, and elegant look in both gardens and cut flower arrangements.
7. Karl Rosenfield Peony
Karl Rosenfield peonies produce deep red, fully double blooms that hold their color well in the garden. They bloom in mid to late spring and have sturdy stems that support the heavy flowers. This variety is a popular choice for gardeners who want bold color and strong performance year after year.
8. Coral Charm Peony
Coral Charm peonies are prized for their unique coral-pink blooms that gradually fade to soft peach and cream tones as they age. They bloom early in the season and have a semi-double flower form. This variety adds warmth and color variation to backyard gardens and is especially popular in modern landscapes.
9. Shirley Temple Peony
Shirley Temple peonies feature soft, blush-pink buds that open into creamy white, fully double flowers. They bloom mid-season and have a gentle fragrance. This variety is loved for its romantic look and ability to brighten garden beds with lighter tones.
10. Kansas Peony
Kansas peonies are known for their vibrant, true red blooms that remain bright without fading. They bloom mid-season and produce strong, upright plants that rarely need staking. This variety is a great option for gardeners wanting bold color with dependable growth.
11. Duchesse de Nemours Peony
Duchesse de Nemours is a classic white peony known for its refined, elegant blooms and strong fragrance. The flowers open creamy white with a soft yellow glow at the center. This variety blooms mid-season and is especially popular in traditional gardens and cutting gardens.
12. Red Charm Peony
Red Charm peonies produce large, deep crimson blooms with a full, rounded shape. They bloom early to mid-season and are known for their dramatic color and strong presence in the garden. This variety is often chosen as a statement plant or focal point.
13. Pink Hawaiian Coral Peony
Pink Hawaiian Coral peonies are early bloomers with semi-double flowers in bright coral-pink shades. As the blooms mature, they fade to softer peach and ivory tones, creating a changing color display. This variety is valued for its early flowering and fresh, modern look.
14. White Cap Peony
White Cap peonies feature rich magenta outer petals surrounding a creamy white center. They bloom mid-season and offer a striking contrast that stands out in garden beds. This variety is a great choice for gardeners looking for unique color combinations.
15. Nippon Beauty Peony
Nippon Beauty peonies have deep red petals with a distinctive golden-yellow center, giving them a bold and elegant appearance. They bloom later in the peony season and have a light fragrance. This variety is popular for adding texture and contrast to backyard gardens.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.