Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt'

As popular as the French actress for whom it was named, Peony ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ has been a cherished favorite since its introduction in 1906. The fully double flowers have rose-pink petals that transition to lighter pink at their edges and are occasionally flecked with red-violet. Their unforgettable perfume is rich and sweet. We consider this Peony to be one of the strongest growers and most reliable bloomers. Winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Late midseason.

The genus Paeonia includes more than 30 species with plants native to Europe, Asia, and western North America. The majority are perennials that die back year to year (Herbaceous Peonies), while some are woody shrubs (Tree Peonies). There is also a group of hybrids created by crossing Herbaceous and Tree Peonies (Itoh/Intersectional Peonies). Peonies flower in mid- and/or late spring with blossoms appearing in a variety of forms, from delicate Singles to petal-packed Doubles. These long-lived, carefree plants are classic elements of borders and beds. They combine beautifully with a wide array of perennials. When Peony blossoms subside, their cut-leaf foliage and mounding forms continue to bring beauty and structure to the garden while flattering and supporting neighboring plants. The flowers of Herbaceous and Itoh Peonies are outstanding in bouquets.

Herbaceous Peonies have been beloved by gardeners since their initial cultivation in ancient China. They are cherished for large, silken, often fragrant blooms that appear in late spring (June for us) atop a mound of deep green, dissected foliage that persists throughout the growing season. The plants die back to the ground each fall but return in spring year after year, securing their reputation as one of the most durable, carefree, and longest-lived perennials. (Plants may live 100 years or more.) Herbaceous Peony flowers exhibit an array of forms from Singles to Doubles and Bomb-style to Anemone. Colors range from white, pink, magenta, and maroon to a newer spectrum, produced by hybridization, that includes bright red, mahogany, coral, and yellow. Herbaceous Peonies are must-haves for perennial beds and borders. They pair beautifully with a broad array of other perennials and are a particularly splendid companion for Tall Bearded Iris. Use Herbaceous Peonies to line a fence, path, or driveway or plant them amid perennials and shrubs in a mixed border or cut-flower garden. The flowers are superb for bouquets.

We ship large roots with 3 to 5 eyes that are fresh from the growing fields. While a newly planted Peony seldom makes a first-class show in its first season, these vigorous plants will reach the top of their form in their second or third year. Herbaceous Peonies grow best with a minimum of 6 hours of sun. Southern gardeners should provide afternoon shade.

For more information on growing Peonies, click Growing Guide.