Peony Paeonia 'Garden Peace'
ABOUT
The Paeonia 'Garden Peace' is a striking peony variety cherished for its ornamental value in the garden. This plant is recognized by its voluminous, double-form flowers that exhibit a soft pink hue, often perceived as being suffused with a gentle peach or apricot tone. The blooms are resplendent, with a multitude of ruffled petals that come together to form a full, rounded shape, creating an impression of lushness and abundance. At the center of each flower, a subtle hint of yellow may be noticed, owing to the presence of stamens that remain nestled within the layers of petals. The peony's leaves are characteristically deep green, forming a lush backdrop that makes the floral display even more pronounced. They have a slightly glossy finish with a leathery texture, which contrasts the softness of the petals. Upon blooming, the peony emits a delightful fragrance that is as attractive to the senses as the flowers are to the eye. This bouquet of aroma adds another layer of enjoyment to the plant, enticing not only gardeners but also an array of pollinators to the garden space. Garden Peace showcases its beauty during its flowering period, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, providing a spectacular show of color and form. The overall impression of the Paeonia 'Garden Peace' is one of serene beauty and traditional elegance, making it a sought-after plant for gardens intended to convey a sense of peace and natural splendor.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Paeoniaceae
Synonyms
Garden Peace Peony, Garden Peace Paeony
Common names
Paeonia 'Garden Peace'
ToxicityTo humans
Peonies, including the 'Garden Peace' variety, are considered to have a low level of toxicity for humans. Ingesting parts of the peony plant can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There may also be skin irritation if sensitive individuals come into contact with the sap of the peony.
To pets
For pets, peonies, including the 'Garden Peace' variety, can also be toxic. Consumption of any part of the plant may result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, lethargy or changes in behavior. It's important to prevent pets from ingesting peony plants to avoid these potential adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet 4 inches (70 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herbaceous
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Paeonia 'Garden Peace' offers large, colorful blooms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: It has a specific blooming season, generally late spring to early summer, providing a focal point of interest during this time.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, reducing the need for annual planting and offering long-term garden structure.
- Scent: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance that can add an aromatic dimension to garden spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cut Flowers: Blooms are ideal for cutting and using in floral arrangements and bouquets, due to their size and beauty.
- Variety of Uses: Can be used in borders, as specimen plants, or for mass planting, offering versatility in garden design.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, peonies require minimal care beyond watering and occasional fertilization.
- Drought Tolerance: Mature plants can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for various climates and reducing the need for constant watering.
- Cold Hardy: Peonies are generally cold hardy, making them suitable for growing in cooler climates without the need for winter protection.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary garnish: The petals of peonies can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Dye production: The pigments from peony petals can be extracted to produce natural dyes for fabrics or art supplies.
- Crafting potpourri: Dried peony petals and leaves can be included in potpourri mixtures for a pleasant fragrance.
- Floral water: Peony petals can be steeped in water to create a subtly scented floral water for cosmetic use or household fragrance.
- Photography subjects: Peonies are often used in floral photography due to their large, showy blooms and vibrant colors.
- Wedding decor: Peonies, including 'Garden Peace', are popular in bridal bouquets and as table centerpieces for their beauty and symbolism of prosperity.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use peonies as subjects for paintings, drawings, and other forms of artwork.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried peony petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing plastic waste.
- Personalized gifts: A peony plant or bouquet can be given as a meaningful gift to convey messages of good fortune and a happy marriage.
- Seasonal festival decoration: In some cultures, peonies are used to decorate during festivals, particularly in spring celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Peony is often used in Feng Shui for its potential to bring good fortune, romance, and prosperity to a space. It is especially beneficial when placed in the southwest area of a garden or in the bedroom to enhance love and romance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Peony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wealth and Prosperity: The peony is often associated with wealth and prosperity due to its full, rounded blooms that resemble coins.
- Honor and High Status: In many cultures, peonies represent honor and high social status, mainly because of their use in the gardens of the wealthy and powerful.
- Beauty in All Forms: The peony, with its lush and beautiful flowers, symbolizes beauty in all its forms, encompassing physical attractiveness, charm, and grace.
- Romantic Love: With its connection to numerous mythological love stories, the peony is often considered a symbol of romance and passionate love.
- Happy Marriage: The peony is also a common symbol for a happy marriage, representing the blooming of love and mutual respect between partners.
- Compassion: Some cultures see the gentle appearance of the peony as a sign of compassion and nurturing.
- Good Fortune and Luck: In some traditions, the peony is thought to bring good fortune and positive outcomes, making it a popular choice in celebratory events.
WaterThe peony 'Garden Peace' should be watered deeply once a week to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In general, applying about 1 inch of water (about 0.6 gallons for a small plant) each time is sufficient. During hot, dry spells, water twice a week. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases - instead, water at the base of the plant. Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant after flowering.
LightPeonies like 'Garden Peace' thrive best in full sun to partial shade, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight to bloom well. They are most productive in a location that gets morning sun and has some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon.
TemperaturePeonies like 'Garden Peace' prefer temperatures within the range of 65°F to 75°F but can survive winter temperatures down to -20°F once established. They require a cold period with temperatures below 40°F to properly set buds for the following spring.
PruningPruning peonies like 'Garden Peace' should be done to remove spent flowers after blooming to maintain aesthetics and prevent seed formation. In the fall, after the first frost, cut back the foliage to the ground to prevent overwintering diseases. Additionally, peonies benefit from the removal of any weak or crossing stems in early spring to promote healthy growth and good air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPeonies like 'Garden Peace' thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good soil mix for peonies consists of equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite to aid drainage. The ideal soil pH for peonies is neutral to slightly alkaline, around 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingPeonies like 'Garden Peace' seldom need repotting as they are typically grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every three to four years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingPeonies such as 'Garden Peace' are tolerant of most humidity levels and do well in the natural humidity found outdoors. They do not have specific humidity requirements; average ambient humidity is generally sufficient for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growth; needs full sun and space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, ensure good drainage, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Peony 'Garden Peace' begins its life cycle as a dormant tuberous root planted in the fall. During early spring, the plant starts to sprout with red or green shoots emerging from the soil as the temperatures warm. As it grows, the stems elongate and the foliage develops into deeply lobed green leaves. During late spring to early summer, large, fragrant flowers bloom, ranging in color depending on the variety, which attract pollinators to the garden. After flowering, the plant sets seed in the form of a capsule which, when mature, opens to release seeds that can be used for propagation. Finally, in the fall the plant's foliage dies back with the onset of colder weather, and the peony enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the peony 'Garden Peace' is by division. This is typically carried out in the fall when the plant is dormant. Begin by cutting back the foliage and carefully digging up the entire plant. The root ball should then be divided into sections, making sure that each section has at least three to five eyes, which are the buds from which new shoots will grow. These divisions can then be planted in well-prepared soil with the eyes facing upward and covered with about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil to encourage new growth in the spring. It's essential to water the new plants thoroughly and maintain even moisture without overwatering for the first season until they become established.
