Zone 9 · winter lows 20°F to 30°F
Paeonia for Zone 9
9 Paeonia varieties rated hardy through Zone 9, ranked by how many gardeners actually grow them. Zone 9 is nearly year-round growing — heat tolerance matters more than cold.
The Paeonia that thrive in Zone 9
#1 most savedTree Peony 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Paeonia x suffruticosa 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
#2 most savedMorning Lilac Peony
Paeonia x iliacus 'Morning Lilac'
#3 most savedJulia Rose Itoh Peony
Paeonia suffruticosa 'Julia Rose'

Bartzella Itoh Peony
Paeonia x hybrida 'Bartzella'

Itoh Peony 'Sweet Shelly'
Paeonia x hybrida 'Sweet Shelly'

Strawberry Crème Brûlée Peony
Paeonia x suffruticosa 'Strawberry Crme Brle'

Cheddar Charm Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Cheddar Charm'

Peony Pastel Splendor
Paeonia x hybrida 'Pastel Splendor'

Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony
Paeonia 'Scarlet Heaven'
Paeonia in Zone 9
Will Paeonia survive a Zone 9 winter?
9 of the 89 Paeonia varieties in the Sow catalog are rated hardy through Zone 9, where winter lows reach 20°F to 30°F. Hardiness is per-variety, not per-genus — the plants listed above are the ones that hold up; others in the genus are not rated for this zone.
When should I plant Paeonia in Zone 9?
In Zone 9 the last spring frost typically lands around late February and the first fall frost around early December. Planting after the last frost — or in early fall, so roots establish before the ground cools — gives the best establishment. Each plant page lists its own planting months.
Which Paeonia is best for Zone 9?
Start at the top of the list above: it is ranked by how many gardeners actually save and grow each variety, which is a strong real-world reliability signal. Then narrow by your sun exposure and the mature size that fits the bed.
