Peonies have an old-fashioned beauty and longevity that have made them a perennial favorite of gardeners. Before being introduced in North America, they were grown thousands of years ago in gardens across the world. There is evidence that Peonies were used for medicinal purposes in Europe over 2000 years ago and that during the reign of Emperor Yang (605-617) in China they were grown as ornamental plants. Peonies were introduced in North America during the 1830's and their popularity has only increased since then. This week we are featuring two of our favorite Peonies - 'Krinkled White' and 'Vivid Rose.'

'Krinkled White' is a simple and classic Peony - large single, snow white petals around a pillow of rich golden stamens and green pistils. 'Krinkled White' is a nice contrast to the more common double flowering varieties. The ruffled-edge, crepe paper-like petals form a bowl shape that can reach 5 to 7 inches across. The stems are straight and strong and do not flop in the garden. 'Krinkled White' is ideal for a cut floral display. Easy-to-grow and a prolific bloomer.

'Vivid Rose' has large, fully double, brilliant pink blooms that actually glow in the garden! Introduced in 1952 by the renowned Klehm family, it remains a favorite of gardeners not only for its beautiful blooms, but for its delightful sweet scent. The blooms can reach up to 6 to 8 inches across. As with 'Krinkled White', 'Vivid Rose' also has stiff stems with disease-resistant, crinkled foliage that remains deep green right into autumn.

Both 'Krinkled White' and 'Vivid Rose' are extremely hardy and once established, are one of the longest lived perennials available - lasting for over 50 years! Expect them to reach about 30 inches high, with the stunning display of blooms in the spring. The foliage forms a nice round clump - making the Peonies look more like shrubs than perennials. When cut in the almost-open bud stage, they open in water and last about a week indoors. Do not cut any flowers the first or second year. Be sure to cut faded flowers to prevent seed formation.

Early to mid fall is the best time to plant Peonies as it allows time for their roots to become established. Your peony will spend its first year getting established and will not be floriferous.

Click here to view 'Krinkled White' on the Carroll Gardens website.
Click here to view 'Vivid Rose' on the Carroll Gardens website.

Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of America’s preeminent nurseries, having introduced more than 20 new perennials and woody shrubs over the years and reintroduced numerous “lost” cultivars back to American gardeners. Carroll Gardens publishes a weekly online newsletter written by Alan. It contains valuable gardening advice and tips and answers to customer questions. Every Saturday, Alan hosts a call-in gardening forum on WCBM radio - 680 AM. For those outside of the WCBM listening area, they can listen to radio show via the internet. Visit CarrollGardens.com to learn more.