Challenger peony

Paeonia 'Challenger'

PerennialPaeoniaceae

APS Registry

Challenger peony
Deer-resistantRabbit-resistantFragrant
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Bloom season
Spring, summer
Bloom color
Dark red
Soil types
Loam

Garden uses

BorderCottage gardenCut flowerPerennial bedPollinator gardenRock gardenSpecimen

Attracts

ButterfliesBees

Notes

'Challenger' peony (Paeonia 'Challenger') is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens, and perennial beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun, average moisture, and loamy soil. It bears single, fragrant, dark crimson blooms with bright yellow anthers, and bees and butterflies visit them. Arthur Percy Saunders bred it. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything.

Pairs well with Carlton daffodil, Blonde Ambition blue grama, Polish Spirit clematis, and Ox-eye daisy.