Itoh Peonies

Itoh peonies are a hybrid between traditional herbaceous garden peonies and the long-lived, woody shrub tree peonies.  Itoh peonies feature the colorful and exotic flowers of the tree peonies as well as their vigorous growth habit and dark green foliage. They take after the perennial growing cycle of the herbaceous garden peonies but have a longer bloom cycle of 3-4 weeks.  While they typically start flowering at the same time, Itoh peonies typically reach their peak bloom right about the same time the herbaceous perennials are finishing up.  Their extended bloom period is attributed to their ability to produce primary and secondary buds and they can yield as many as 50 blooms in a single season.  

When the Itoh peony was first introduced made available to the public, there were so few available that the price ran over $1,000 for one plant.  Now there are dozens of varieties available here at Fort Collins Nursery for a much more manageable price!  We have a great assortment already in stock with more on the way in the coming weeks so be sure to call or stop by to check our selection.  Here are a couple of varieties for you to consider:

Bartzella Itoh Peony

Bartzella Itoh peony have very large, bright yellow double blossoms with a slight red center stain stand above the lush, dark green, deeply dissected foliage. The flowers have a pleasant, slightly spicy scent. This is an especially vigorous plant with sturdy flower stems that do not require staking.

  • Height: 2.5-3 ft.
  • Width: 2.5-3 ft.
  • Water: Regularly
  • Bloom: Late Spring/ Yellow
  • Zones: 4-9

 

Morning Lilac Itoh Peony

Morning Lilac Itoh peony have large, fragrant, single to semi-double, fuchsia-pink blooms with vivid gold stamens and white highlights.  The flowers are held on strong stems just above sturdy, compact plants with lush, dark green foliage. The bloom color intensifies to a dark purple towards the center. This is a very showy, prolific and early blooming peony.

  • Height: 2.5-3 ft.
  • Width: 2.5-3 ft.
  • Water: Regularly
  • Bloom: Late Spring/ Purplish-pink
  • Zones: 4-9

Originally published on May 3rd, 2018. Updated on July 25th, 2019.