The Story
Plant Bio
Paeonia x hybrida 'Itoh Peony' is a deciduous perennial known for its large, lush foliage and elegant, cup-shaped flowers that come in various shades of pink, white, and red, providing a striking ornamental display during spring and early summer.
This cultivar is celebrated for its long-lasting blooms and the hybrid vigor that combines the best traits of tree and herbaceous peonies, resulting in a robust plant with a more extended flowering period and sturdier stems.
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
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Cultivated hybrid
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late spring – Late fall
In flower about 7 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bare root peony in well-draining soil in fall.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
- Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
- Stake if necessary to support heavy blooms.
- Divide every 10 years in early spring or fall.
Pro Tip
Plant with eyes 1-2 inches below soil surface for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Prune dead or weak stems after flowering
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid planting too deep ❌
- Don't over-fertilize, risk rot
- Refrain from disturbing roots during flowering
- Never forget to clean tools to prevent disease
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| 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
Itoh Peony questions
What zones can Itoh Peony grow in?
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 Itoh Peony deer resistant?
Yes — Itoh Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Itoh Peony bloom?
Itoh Peony typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Itoh Peony need full sun?
Itoh 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 Itoh 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.







