Darwin peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Darwin'
APS Registry
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moderate soil
- Habit
- Medium, upright
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Dark red
- Soil types
- Loam
Garden uses
Notes
'Darwin' peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Darwin') is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, 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. The single dark red blooms open in mid to late spring and early summer, with a center of yellow stamens. In bud, the flowers look like a large 'Darwin' tulip, which gave the plant its name. Fred E. Winslow bred it, and its strong stems hold the blooms up well.
Pairs well with White trillium, Sedge, and Limeglow creeping juniper.