Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony
Paeonia 'Scarlet Heaven'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Hybrid
Toxicity
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Itoh or Intersectional peonies are hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies. They feature the large flowers and strong stems of tree peonies combined with the herbaceous, die-back habit of garden peonies. 'Scarlet Heaven' is prized for its enormous, single, brilliant scarlet-red flowers with a central boss of golden-yellow stamens. Its strong stems hold the flowers upright without staking, even after rain.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sun.
- Ensure the soil is fertile and exceptionally well-drained.
- Plant the root so the eyes are about 1.5 inches below the soil surface.
- Space plants at least 3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
- Avoid disturbing the plant once it is established.
Pro Tip
Unlike herbaceous peonies, cut Itoh peony stems back to 2-3 inches above the ground in fall, as new buds form on the crown.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the best flower production.
- Amend soil with compost before planting.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a tidy appearance.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Cut stems back in the fall after a hard frost.
Don't
- Do not plant in waterlogged soil.
- Avoid deep cultivation around the base of the plant.
- Do not bury the crown more than 2 inches deep.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
- Do not expect a large floral display in the first year.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| 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
Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony questions
What zones can Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony grow in?
Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony deer resistant?
Yes — Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony bloom?
Scarlet Heaven 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 Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony need full sun?
Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Paeonia to compare
Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Tree Peony 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Paeonia x suffruticosa 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Tibetan Tree Peony
Paeonia deltoidea
Daydream Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Daydream'
Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Festiva Maxima'
Rozella Peony
Paeonia officinalis 'Rozella'
Keep exploring
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Grow Scarlet Heaven Itoh Peony with confidence
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