Helen peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Helen'
APS Registry
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Sizeup to 3 feet tall
- Habit
- Tall, upright
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Deep shell pink
- Foliage color
- Dark foliage
- Soil types
- Loam
Garden uses
Notes
'Helen' peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Helen') 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. Deep shell pink double blooms open in mid spring and show a mass of golden stamens. The petals hold their shape and do not droop for a long time, so the stems tall and erect make fine cut flowers. George C. Thurlow bred it.
Pairs well with Wild geranium, Sedge, and Sensitive fern.