Do Tell Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Do Tell'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Asia and Europe
Toxicity
Toxic to pets if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Paeonia lactiflora 'Do Tell' is a popular herbaceous peony known for its stunning pink flowers. This award-winning cultivar features Japanese-style (anemone) blooms with soft, shell-pink outer guard petals surrounding a striking center of darker pink and golden-yellow petaloids.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a well-drained, fertile soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Plant peony roots in early fall, 2-3 inches deep with eyes facing upward.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Mulch with organic material to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping during heavy blooms.
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer for vigorous growth.
Pro Tip
Plant peonies in a sunny location with good air circulation for best blooms and disease resistance.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer annually
- Support tall stems with stakes
- Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots once established
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Do not plant too deeply
- Avoid pruning in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
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
Do Tell Peony questions
What zones can Do Tell Peony grow in?
Do Tell 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 Do Tell Peony deer resistant?
Yes — Do Tell Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Do Tell Peony bloom?
Do Tell 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 Do Tell Peony need full sun?
Do Tell 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 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
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Do Tell 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.
