Garden hybrid
This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.
8 other cultivars
‘Hillary Itoh’Hillary Itoh Peony
‘Bartzella’Bartzella Itoh Peony
‘Sweet Shelly’Itoh Peony 'Sweet Shelly'
‘Classics for Cutting’Peony Classics for Cutting
‘Candy Cane Itoh’Candy Stripe Peony
‘Cora Louise Itoh’Cora Louise Itoh Peony
‘Pastel Splendor’Peony Pastel Splendor
‘Caroline Constabel’Caroline Constabel Peony
The Story
Plant Bio
Paeonia x hybrida 'Smokin' Hot' is a deciduous perennial shrub known for its large, ruffled, crimson-red flowers and lush, divided foliage that creates a striking display in garden borders.
This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, fiery flower color and robust, long-lasting blooms that add dramatic color and elegance to spring and early summer plantings.
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 with proper care
Native To
Horticultural origin
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained loam soil.
- Tuck bare roots 2 inches deep in early spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping.
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained soil with good air circulation for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune back after flowering to maintain shape
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during the growing season
- Never fertilize late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Peony Smokin' Hot questions
What zones can Peony Smokin' Hot grow in?
Peony Smokin' Hot 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 Peony Smokin' Hot deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Peony Smokin' Hot, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Peony Smokin' Hot bloom?
Peony Smokin' Hot 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 Peony Smokin' Hot need full sun?
Peony Smokin' Hot 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 Peony Smokin' Hot 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.