Defender peony
Paeonia 'Defender'
APS Registry
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
Attracts
Notes
'Defender' peony (Paeonia 'Defender') is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, and cottage gardens. 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 fragrant, dark mahogany crimson flowers are single and cup-shaped, with a large mass of silky stamens. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. Arthur Percy Saunders bred it, and it blooms nearly a week later than Corinth.
Pairs well with June hosta, Standing Ovation little bluestem, and Carlton daffodil.