Sword Dance peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sword Dance'
RHS AGM 2020; APS Registry
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Tall
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Dark red
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Sword Dance' peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Sword Dance') is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. It bears dark red blooms and attracts butterflies. Edward Auten, Jr bred it.
Pairs well with Dalmatian bellflower, Japanese spirea, and Cheerfulness daffodil.