Species

Paeonia lactifloraChinese Peony

52 other cultivars

perennial

Lollipop Itoh Peony

Paeonia lactiflora 'Lollipop'

The Story

Plant Bio

An Itoh or intersectional peony, which is a hybrid between herbaceous and tree peonies. It forms a sturdy, upright bush with lush, dark green foliage that remains attractive all season.

'Lollipop' features large, semi-double to double, soft yellow flowers playfully streaked and flecked with raspberry red, creating a candy-like appearance. Strong stems hold the flowers upright without staking.

Uses & Benefits:

Paeonia lactiflora Lollipop offers stunning large, fragrant blooms that enhance garden aesthetics and provide sensory pleasure.

Ideal as cut flowers for indoor arrangements, lasting several days in a vase.

Supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies during blooming season.

SpeciesPaeonia lactifloraChinese Peony

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

28 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-drained soil in early spring.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
Fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring.
Divide clumps every 4-5 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate.

Pro Tip

Plant peonies in a sunny location with good air circulation for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Apply mulch annually to retain moisture
Prune after flowering to shape the plant
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not disturb roots during flowering
Skip heavy fertilization late in the season
Do not plant in shaded areas

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant perennial borderFragrant cut flower displayClassic cottage garden feature

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Hosta Echinacea Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lollipop Itoh Peony questions

What zones can Lollipop Itoh Peony grow in?

Lollipop Itoh Peony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lollipop Itoh Peony deer resistant?

Yes — Lollipop Itoh Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lollipop Itoh Peony bloom?

Lollipop Itoh Peony typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lollipop Itoh Peony need full sun?

Lollipop Itoh Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.