Garden hybrid
This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.
7 other cultivars
The Story
Plant Bio
A unique herbaceous peony with attractive bi-colored blooms that resemble candy canes.
The 'Candy Stripe' peony is known for its striking coloration and strong stems, making it excellent for cutting.
Uses & Benefits:
Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Cultivated hybrid
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck healthy roots into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Mist cuttings in a humid environment for propagation, taking 6 weeks.
- Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead or damaged stems.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in a location with full sun and well-drained soil for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Candy Stripe Peony questions
What zones can Candy Stripe Peony grow in?
Candy Stripe 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 Candy Stripe Peony deer resistant?
Yes — Candy Stripe Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Candy Stripe Peony bloom?
Candy Stripe 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 Candy Stripe Peony need full sun?
Candy Stripe Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Paeonia to compare
Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Tree Peony 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Paeonia suffruticosa 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Tibetan Tree Peony
Paeonia deltoidea
Daydream Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Daydream'
Philomele Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Philomele'
Rozella Peony
Paeonia officinalis 'Rozella'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Candy Stripe Peony with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.