3 / 10
Gay Paree
This heirloom, dating to the 1930s, resembles Bowl of Beauty but features lush raspberry-red petals that curve around an ivory center. Gay paree peonies can grow to almost three feet tall. Zones 3-7.
4 / 10
Festiva Maxima
Tiny flecks of red or deep pink splash across the airy white petals of this timeless, fragrant peony. It has been a favorite choice for bridal bouquets, centerpieces and gardens since it debuted in the 1850s. It grows 30 to 36 inches tall and prefers full sun. Zones 3-8.
5 / 10
Bartzella
These semi-double yellow peony blossoms, with striking inner streaks of red, offer a sunny alternative to traditional pink and magenta blooms. The Bartzella peony, part of the Itoh group of peonies, can have close to two dozen blooms on a second-year plant.
Itoh peonies feature sturdy stems that won’t flop under the weight of the prolific blooms. They tend to bloom a little later, too, offering welcome color as other peonies fade for the season. Zones 3-8.
