A collection of different types of peonies can span the seasons from spring to summer in a flower garden. The intersectional hybrid peony is another to consider growing. It is a cross between tree and herbaceous peonies and hardy in zones 4 – 8; it is also called an Itoh hybrid.
Itoh Hybrid Peonies
Intersectional hybrid peonies have the flowers and foliage size and appearance of the tree peony and the stems of an herbaceous type. These plants are long lived, mid-spring blooming before herbaceous peonies and die to the ground in winter.
Itoh peonies grow single and semi double flowers that reach 5” – 6” in diameter. The plant grows 2 ½’ – 3 ½’ tall which will complement the scale of small sized gardens. Like all peonies, it grows best in full sun and well-amended moist-well-draining soil.
Peonies, including Itoh types, are not suitable for sustainable gardens in any climate. Maintenance for peony gardens should include a watering plan with consideration that supplemental water during drought conditions will be necessary.
Gardeners can create a succession of flowering peonies in a planting bed. Choose a variety of peony types with varying bloom times, early spring to mid summer. Also, consider the climate conditions of the garden to ensure a constant flower display for much of the growing season.
Spring Blooming Tree Peonies
Tree peonies require cool temperatures of 32° - 40° F for 500 – 1000 hours prior to spring blooming to flower well. The plant is the tallest of all peonies, has large dinner-plate sized blooms that cover the plant.
Tree peonies should be planted on sites without windy conditions. Maintenance for these plants will include pruning in late winter to eliminate deadwood or to maintain size.
Tree peonies are native to China and Japan often referred to as mudan. Many hybridizers and tree peony enthusiasts are dedicated to advancing its cultivation.
Fern Leaf Peonies for Small Gardens
Herbaceous fern leaf peonies are the shortest of the peonies, under 24” tall. The plant flowers early while bridging bloom times between tree and herbaceous peonies.
Its diminutive size makes the fern leaf peony a good choice for small garden spaces or in a railroad or rock garden display.
Early Summer Flowering Herbaceous Peonies
The hardiest of peonies, the herbaceous peony tolerates climates in zones 2 – 8. The plant dies back to the ground and is long-lived, some have been found to be over 100 years old.
Growing herbaceous peonies is similar to other Paeonia, but should include a fall clean up plan that will help avoid disease issues. In southern gardens, with a hot climate, plant peonies in light shade to encourage healthy plants.
In each variety of peonies are cultivars that are more fragrant than others. To create a scented flower garden, gardeners should choose peonies that are known for this quality.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
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