If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably paused mid-scroll at a photo of peonies and whispered, “I need those in my yard.” I get it.
Their blooms are full-on drama in the best way. But figuring out which ones to plant? That used to leave me overwhelmed.
So I made a simple list, 21 varieties that I’ve grown or obsessed over in my neighbors’ gardens.
These are easy to love, easy to grow, and will totally make your flower beds feel extra special.
Also read – 15 English Rose Garden Ideas
1. Sarah Bernhardt
I planted my first Sarah Bernhardt peony after seeing it in an old garden magazine. That soft pink color? Completely dreamy.
Each year, mine come back fuller. They’re low-maintenance and pretty much take care of themselves.
They also hold up well in vases. I clip a few every spring and stick them in a mason jar for the kitchen table.
2. Festiva Maxima
This one reminds me of whipped cream with sprinkles, white petals and tiny red flecks. It’s subtle, but once you see it, you’ll remember it.
I’ve got mine near the back steps, and every spring, it gives the space a clean, bright feel.
If you want fragrance, this one’s got that sweet old-school scent that floats on the breeze.
3. Coral Charm
This was love at first bloom. It starts bold coral and slowly fades to soft peach, like nature’s mood ring.
I planted Coral Charm near a weathered wooden fence and the contrast is stunning in the early light.
These blooms stand tall and proud. No flopping, even after a heavy rain, which honestly impressed me.
4. Bowl of Beauty
This one’s playful. It’s got bright pink petals around a creamy yellow center that almost glows in the sunlight.
I added it to the front yard to break up all the greens and purples, and it totally worked.
What I love most? It’s shaped like an open bowl, so you really see every little detail from a few steps away.
5. Duchesse de Nemours
I call this my “wedding flower.” It’s pure white with a soft lemon center, simple and elegant.
I planted it by the walkway so I can enjoy the scent every time I walk by. It’s clean, sweet, and lingers just enough.
This one’s great if you want something that feels fancy without being fussy.
6. Karl Rosenfield
I added this bold red beauty to my front garden last spring. It’s rich, dramatic, and demands attention in the best way.
It holds its color well, even in full sun. No fading or wilting early like some other reds I’ve tried.
This one’s a conversation starter. Friends always ask me what it is, and then jot the name down.
7. Shirley Temple
This one blooms pale pink and fades to creamy white. It’s soft and dainty, just like the name suggests.
I put it near a patch of blue salvia and lavender, it turned out to be a sweet combo.
If you’re going for that romantic cottage vibe, Shirley fits right in. Plus, it blooms for weeks.
8. Bartzella (Itoh Peony)
I splurged on Bartzella one year, and I’ve never regretted it. Big yellow blooms with a lemony scent, worth every penny.
It blooms late in the season when everything else is starting to slow down, so you get a bonus show.
Mine’s been surprisingly sturdy, no flopping or fuss, even in strong wind. It just keeps going.
9. Red Charm
If you want something bold and moody, Red Charm is it. Deep red petals that almost look velvet when the light hits right.
I planted it in a spot that gets full morning sun, and it’s become one of my favorite views from the kitchen window.
It grows a bit shorter but is super lush. The best part? It doesn’t need staking.
10. Coral Sunset
This one starts out apricot-pink and slowly shifts to soft beige. It’s like watching the petals mellow with age.
It blooms early, which I love because it’s one of the first signs that garden season is here.
I have it next to some ornamental grasses. The colors play off each other beautifully.
11. Kansas
Kansas peony was one of my grandmother’s favorites, and now I know why. It’s a bold, hot pink that turns heads without trying too hard.
The blooms are double and dense, almost like a pompom. When they open, it feels like summer has arrived.
They’ve held up beautifully in my partly shaded garden. I’ve even used a few in a bouquet, talk about a color pop on the table.
12. Garden Treasure (Itoh Peony)
This one’s a reliable performer. Soft yellow petals with a golden center that brighten up shady corners of my backyard.
It’s a cross between tree and herbaceous peonies, which means strong stems and more blooms.
I love how long the blooms last. I planted one near the patio, and it always gets compliments from guests sipping iced tea with me.
13. Raspberry Sundae
I had to try this one based on the name alone, who could resist? The petals are pink and cream, layered like a fancy dessert.
It blooms mid-season and smells just as good as it looks. I like to snip a few and float them in a wide bowl of water.
Raspberry Sundae adds that old-school garden romance without feeling too frilly or fussy.
14. Do Tell
This variety has a softer, more relaxed feel. The light pink outer petals and golden center give it a breezy look I really enjoy.
I tucked it into a more casual part of my garden, and it fits right in with my cottage-style setup.
It doesn’t have that over-the-top fluff, which makes it perfect if you like a little breathing room in your flower beds.
15. Pink Hawaiian Coral
This one stops people in their tracks. Bright coral blooms with a glow to them, I swear it almost looks lit from within.
I planted mine near the driveway, and neighbors have asked about it more than once.
It’s early to bloom and super sturdy. I’ve had mine hold up through a windy May without needing any staking.
16. Paula Fay
If you’re new to peonies, this one’s friendly and easygoing. The semi-double blooms are a rich, vivid pink.
It’s one of the earliest to bloom in my yard, so it gives me that instant “spring is here” feeling.
Low fuss, no drama. Paula Fay just shows up, blooms beautifully, and goes about her business like a pro.
17. Buckeye Belle
This one’s a deep wine red, and it’s more refined than showy. I planted it between a white rose and a pale iris, it anchors the space nicely.
The blooms are semi-double, not too thick, which gives them a graceful shape.
It blooms early and stands tall. I barely had to do anything to get it thriving in my backyard bed.
18. White Cap
I wasn’t sure about this one at first, but now it’s one of my top picks. It’s got magenta outer petals and a creamy puff of white in the middle.
It’s dramatic without being flashy. A real surprise in bloom season.
I added it to a mixed border, and it plays well with others. Great if you want something eye-catching but a little different.
19. Honey Gold
Honey Gold reminds me of lemon meringue pie. Creamy white petals with a sunny golden center, it looks good enough to eat.
I planted it near some pale blue catmint, and that combo is soft but striking.
This one blooms mid-to-late season, so it fills the gap after my earlier varieties have finished their show.
20. Red Grace
If Red Charm is a velvet dress, Red Grace is a silk blouse. It’s smooth, bright red, and opens into a full, rounded globe.
It keeps a neat, tidy shape and stands up well in storms. That’s huge for me, since I’m not a fan of staking everything.
Great for cutting too. I’ve brought it into the house several times and it lasts for days in a vase.
21. Lemon Chiffon
Lemon Chiffon is soft and fresh, think pale yellow with a touch of cream. It’s light without feeling washed out.
This one thrives in full sun for me and blooms later in the season, which makes it a nice surprise when most others are done.
It’s also a good mixer. I planted it near purple salvia, and the combo is just… happy. That’s the only way I can describe it.
Conclusion
You don’t need to fill your yard with every variety, just pick the ones that speak to you. That’s what I did, slowly, season by season.
Plant them where you’ll see them often, by the walkway, under a window, near your sitting spot. Let them do their thing while you enjoy the show.
If you’re not sure where to start, try one or two this year. Peonies don’t need much from you, but they give back so much beauty in return.