Helen Sears peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Helen Sears'
APS Registry
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Sizeup to 3 feet tall
- Bloom color
- Light pink, lavender shading, lavender center
- Soil types
- Loam
Garden uses
Notes
'Helen Sears' peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Helen Sears') 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. It grows about waist-high and blooms in mid season. The large, light lavender pink flowers have a Japanese form with long, slender petalodes. Harry L. Smith bred it in 1954.
Pairs well with Prairie dropseed, Ostrich fern, and Picture tulip.