Red Charm Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Red Charm'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
32 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial (50+ years)
Native To
Hybrid cultivated variety
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Red Charm is a popular peony cultivar known for its large, deep red blooms and strong stems. This hybrid cultivar produces exceptionally large, bomb-type, deep crimson-red double flowers on strong stems, making it a favorite for cutting. It is an early season bloomer.
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 acidic pH.
- Plant peony roots in early fall or early spring, 2-3 inches deep.
- Position the crown with buds 1-2 inches below soil surface.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t plant too shallow or too deep
- Avoid disturbing roots during the growing season
- Refrain from heavy fertilization late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
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
Red Charm Peony questions
What zones can Red Charm Peony grow in?
Red Charm 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 Red Charm Peony deer resistant?
Yes — Red Charm Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Red Charm Peony bloom?
Red Charm Peony typically blooms in late spring to early summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Red Charm Peony need full sun?
Red Charm 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
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Red Charm 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.
